Tuesday, March 30, 2010

PlayPump.......drawing water and pumping it is child's play

The PROBLEM - No electricity in the village. Cannot afford a diesel generator. Then how to get groundwater in a tank overhead so that water can be made available though pipes and taps around the village.


Image Source:
http://www.inhabitots.com/2009/03/05/play-pump-the-merry-go-round-water-pump/playpump6/


The SOLUTION - A toy for children. Yes a merry go round wheel.  Children are endless bundles of energy as they play on for hours. But underneath this wheel draws ground water and pumps it in a tank overhead (seen in the background). The groundwater drawing works much like our common Indian hand pumps.

The picture below depict the working of this pump.
Source : http://www.waterforpeople.org/extras/playpumps/how-playpumps-works.html


This technology is being implemented by "Water for People" in African Nations on charity basis and has been developed by PlayPumps International-US.

Friday, March 26, 2010

The Q Drum......how simple ideas solve BIG problems

Here is the PROBLEM. Supply of clean drinking water and how it is fulfilled in many rural areas in the Third World.


And architect Hans Hendrikse put his grey cells to use and came up with a solution that could reduce the long term side effects caused to the backs and necks of these folks. Now even kids can carry 50 - 70 litres of water for miles without any undue strain. He got recognition in form of "ROLEX Award for Enterprising Individuals" for implementing the solution in South Africa.
Below are some pics of the Q Drum and Hans himself in the second image here.

Source Reference :  http://rolexawards.com/en/the-laureateshanshendrikse-the-project.jsp

Here is the SOLUTION




Here is the home page for the Q Drum Initiative
http://www.qdrum.co.za/index.php/home

Join the EARTH HOUR INITIATIVE

Join this innovative initiative. Switch off all your lights tomorrow (i.e. 27 March 2010) from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm..
An hour of power saving globally is a huge thing. And you can contribute. Here is the link to know more.

http://www.earthhour.in/home.aspx

"Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm- 9:30pm and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from India to Australia to America will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet".