Pollutant-reducing project developed by three students from Excel Public School

Mysore/Mysuru: Students of Excel Public School have developed an eco-engineered filtration system to tackle urban water pollution and emerged winners at the Vision Mysuru 2050 Grand Finale, organised by the SDM Institute for Management Development.

The project, titled ‘Project Shudhi’, is a modular multi-stage filtration unit designed for installation in drainage networks to reduce pollutants in stormwater before it enters lakes and other water bodies. The team secured first place among 317 entries presented by students and innovators.

The project was developed by Dishaa Arjun (Class 9), K.M. Saanvi Bojamma and Amritha Biligiri Prashanth (Class 10) under the guidance of mentor Akhil Sasankan.

Designed as a low-cost and easily deployable system, Project Shudhi aims to address the growing problem of urban water pollution caused by stormwater runoff and improper waste disposal in drains.

Dishaa Arjun said the idea emerged after observing the deteriorating condition of several lakes in Mysuru, including Koorgalli Lake and the increasing misuse of stormwater drains for dumping waste.

Multi-stage filtration system

“We spent nearly a year studying the issue and analysing the types of waste entering the drainage system. We realised that the problem was not limited to visible waste but also included micro-level pollutants.

This led us to design a multi-stage filtration system, with each layer targeting specific contaminants,” she said.

The filtration unit works through multiple stages, including aeration, vortex-based separation, sediment capture and adsorption media to progressively remove pollutants from stormwater.

Installed along stormwater drains, the system intercepts polluted water before it flows into lakes, ponds and rivers, trapping solid waste, microplastics, oils, heavy metals and sediments at the source.

Built using low-cost and upcycled materials, the solar-powered system is designed to be affordable, low-maintenance and easily deployable at multiple locations. Over time, the system can reduce pollutant load, prevent algal blooms, protect aquatic life and improve the health of urban water bodies, the students said.

Excel Public School Principal Mathew K.G. congratulated the students and mentors, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the institution. He said the school encourages students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges through inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary work.