What happened?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure seawater desalination. This technology, developed by DRDO’s Kanpur-based laboratory, the Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), is designed for use in desalination plants aboard Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrolling Vessels (OPVs). The membrane addresses operational challenges, particularly stability issues arising from exposure to chloride ions in saline water. The development was completed in a record time of eight months. Initial technical trials conducted on an existing desalination plant of an ICG OPV yielded satisfactory results. The final operational clearance will be granted after 500 hours of onboard operational testing, which is currently underway.
Why it matters to India
This development marks a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in critical defense technologies, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. By indigenously developing a key component for seawater desalination, India reduces its dependency on foreign technologies and enhances the operational capabilities of its maritime forces. Furthermore, with modifications, this membrane technology holds potential for civilian applications, particularly in coastal regions facing freshwater scarcity, thereby contributing to broader national water security goals.