agasthya foundation anveshna 2014 theme description

8/13/2019 Agasthya Foundation Anveshna 2014 Theme Description

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Anveshana - 2014

Theme:

INNOVATION

FOR

SUSTAINABILITY & DEVELOPMENT

A universally accepted definition of sustainability remains elusive because, it needs to be

not only factual and scientific, but a clear statement of a specific destination needs to be

employed. The simple definition of "sustainability is improving the quality of human

life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems". Though this is

broad, it conveys the idea of sustainability having quantifiable limits.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability). Under this theme, Anveshana aims to provide a

platform for all budding innovators to conceptualize working models and proof of concepts

encompassing the following focus areas:

Focus Areas

1. WATER:The crisis for potable water is already felt in present times. Technology to resolve the

issues under the following broad areas are invited for the competition:

i. Technology for saving existing water resourcesii. Sustainable drinking water supplyiii. Decentralised Water Managementiv. Agricultural Crisis Managementv. Water Stress Management

vi. Containing Water Pollution & Contaminationvii. (Additional Problems from BWSSB and others)

2. AIR:Air is considered as free resource without realizing that it has a direct impact on

immediate health of the Nation. Indians are projected to have 30% weaker lungs than
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainabilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability


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Europeans (ToI, Sept 2, 2013). Issues are significant and are extremely relevant as we

share the air without any boundaries of any kind with one and all. The event intends to

focus on indoor/domestic air quality and encourage students to develop projects on

innovative ideas to improve the same:

i. Combating the Lung related ailments like Cancer, TB, Asthmaii. Indoor air pollution - emissions due to computers and other devices

iii. Chemical pollutants like mosquito repellents and indoor air qualityiv. Assessment of air qualityv. Minimizing the hazards of Green Houses Gases

vi. (Additional Problems from Pollution Control Board)3. FOOD:Importance of food cannot be emphasised. Present theme will focus on food security.

Truly sustainable food system is one which nurtures the people, animals, community

and the environment. Listed below are some guiding problem statements on this theme:

i. Costeffective Processing & Distributionii. Food safety

iii. Malnutritioniv. Transportation from production to distribution sitev. Efficient storage of surplus

vi. Food as medicinevii. Balanced Diet & Nutrition

viii. Innovation for avoiding / detecting Food borne illnessix. Technology for treating Allergies of Foodx. (Additional Problems from the Food supply department)

4. ENERGY:Primary source of energy in present times is fossil fuel in form of coal, petroleum,

natural gas etc. The world has already recognized the fact that about 60% of these fuelswhich have been created over past millions years has been consumed over last two

centuries and the balance reserves will also deplete with the growing consumption.

Recognizing this soon-to-happen crisis, theme of Energy has been included. Innovative

projects of themes that list out efficient and alternate use of present reserved or

proposing alternate forms of energy for sustainable growth are being encouraged.

Indicative topics are listed below.

i. Increased efficiency in present system of Production & Storageii. Innovation in machine/engine design for higher output


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iii. Renewable sources of energy: Innovation in design for better use of presentalternate energies like solar cells, hydro power, wind power and biofuels.

Innovation is expected for better or new use of existing technology in line

with the broad theme of sustainability.

iv. Unconventional sources of energyv. Energy Conservation & Audit

vi. (Additional Problem statements from organizations dealing with energy likeKPTCL etc.)

5. WASTE MANAGEMENT:

Garden City of Bangalore has been in news headlines for various reasons to make its

residents proud. However, over past few months this has changed. The citys name has

got a new tag - i.e. Garbage City for poorly managed solid waste generated in the city.

The garbage piles have been in open and visible for stray dogs, cows, and other animals

and insects to breed. The stink of this also reached New York Times in its issue of Oct

27th

2012.

The problem being faced today by Bangalore will certainly hit other small cities and

towns if the lessons arent learnt and implemented at right time. Below are few

suggestive areas where students are encouraged to innovate and come up with

sustainable solutions.

i. System for Reuse at Domestic scaleii. Integrated Recycle System i.e. Efficiency in Recycling with addressing the areas

where garbage recycle system breaks down and results in problems.

iii. Efficient Segregation of Waste (Waste could include Municipal Wastei.e. Household waste, Commercial waste, Demolition waste, also Industry Waste

like Plastic, e-waste, Effluent chemicals etc.)

iv. Sustainable technology to address the issue of Mishandling of Bio-medical Wastev. Innovative ways to use Pyrolysis for Oil generation from plastic waste as a

sustainable solution to plastic-problem.vi. (Additional problem statements from Municipal Corporations of respective cities

& towns).

agasthya foundation anveshna 2014 theme description

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