Country’s 1st saline water lantern launched in TN

CHENNAI: Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India’s first saline water lantern, which uses sea water to power LED lamps.

The Minister of State for Science and Technology launched the “first-of-its kind lantern named Roshini” during a visit to SAGAR ANVESHIKA, a coastal research vessel operated and used by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, a PIB release on Saturday said.

“Dr Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first saline water lantern which uses sea water as the electrolyte between specially designed electrodes to power the LED lamps,” it said.

He was quoted as saying that the lantern will bring “ease of living to the poor and needy, particularly the fishing community living along the 7,500 km long coastal line of India.” Singh said the saline water lantern will also boost and supple- ment Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UJALA scheme launched in 2015 for distribution of LED bulbs across the country.

“Roshini Lamps along with Power Ministry’s schemes like Solar Study Lamps will be driving a vibrant renewable energy programme aimed at achieving energy security, energy access and reducing the carbon footprints of the national economy,” he said. He further pointed out that this technology can also be used in hinterlands, where sea water is not available, as any saline water or normal water mixed with common salt can be used to power the lantern. It is not only cost-effective, but very easy to operate.

“The Minister lauded the NIOT team for inventing the Roshini Lamp and advised them to transfer the technology to the industry for mass production of this multipurpose lamp which can be of immense help in rural and remote areas and in times of the disasters,” the release said.

Later, Singh along with the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr M Ravichandran visited the laboratories and hoisted the tricolour on board the ship. “Extending the campaign of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, to ‘Har Jahaj Tiranga’ (Tricolour on every ship) the Minister hoisted the Indian flag on board the vessel. He also met the senior scientists of NIOT onboard the vessel and reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Deep Ocean Mission of India,” the release added.