With rising cases of Dengue in the city, the Delhi Council of Child Welfare (DCCW) has installed anti mosquito breeding sprinklers in different areas in Delhi. The installing of these sprinklers has led to a fall in mosquito population. Delhi has reported as many as 50 cases of dengue in the past week.
The DCCW has relied on the invention of a team led by Sriya Gupta, from Shri Ram School, Moulsari, who developed an aerator. Mosquitoes lay eggs and reproduce in stagnant water, resulting in a surge in their population and a great risk of disease transmission. The 24-hour solar water aerator ensures that the water surface always stays agitated. Conventional aerators did not have batteries and only ran on solar power during the day. This allowed mosquitoes to lay eggs at night. Sriya who has been studying Lithium Ion battery chemistry at IISER in Pune under Dr. Mustafa and at Columbia University Labs in New York came up with a simple but extremely effective modification to the conventional water aerator.
She studied the power consumption of the motor, and modified the aerator with larger solar panels and a Lithium Ion battery. Wherein the extra power was used to charge the battery cells in the day as well. This allows the water aerator to function twenty four hours a day, ensuring the water body does not stagnate at any time. Sriya’s invention, the anti-mosquito breeding sprinkler, addresses the challenges of standing water and insufficient mosquito control in outdoor spaces. This ingenious system utilizes a dual power source, harnessing solar energy during the day and battery power at night. By employing a water pump, it ensures efficient water circulation, effectively preventing mosquito breeding. The integration of mini solar panels powers the water pump and recharges the battery, while a DC-DC boost converter regulates voltage. An automatic switching mechanism seamlessly transitions between solar and battery power, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This solution presents a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly approach to combat mosquito breeding, enhancing outdoor comfort and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Sriya made three samples and deployed them at Delhi Council of Child welfare creches and centers in Trilokpuri. They were put into the community water tanks at these facilities. Within 3 weeks there was a noticeable drop in the evening mosquito populations at these centers.
Delhi Council of Child welfare (DCCW) Assistant Director Mr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra said, “ We are amazed at how such a simple and brilliant idea, could enhance the safety of our children so much “. “ It has been wonderful interacting with Sriya during this noble project.” “ Sriya even spent 5 afternoons while collecting and deploying her innovation to teach our kids the Energy Literacy Program she developed.” “ The kids eagerly look forward to Sriya returning to the Center for the second phase of the Energy Literacy program. “
The system is scalable and adaptable to various outdoor areas, requiring minimal maintenance while delivering long-lasting and reliable performance. Overall, Sriya Gupta’s innovative solution promotes health, sustainability, and improved well-being in outdoor spaces.
Beyond the direct threat to public health, this issue also hampers individuals’ comfort and restricts their engagement in outdoor activities. In order to mitigate the dangers of infections and improve overall well-being, effective mosquito control techniques and sound water management must be prioritized.