T-AIM startup Bariflo Labs uses AI, robotics to rejuvenate lakes

Hyderabad: Lake rejuvenation activities may a get a shot in the arm from new age technologies. Bariflo Labs, an artificial intelligence company, has created devices that can give insights into the water health in a lake, tank or other waterbody. These insights will lead to taking corrective actions to rejuvenate the waterbodies and irrigation tanks.

The water condition has a bearing on the fish cultivated or the crops and vegetables grown using that water. Knowing how different parameters are changing can allow them to take appropriate steps to reduce losses, according to Mrityunjay Sahu, Chief Technology Officer, Bariflo Labs.

The company, which is supported by the T-AIM under its Revvup accelerator programme, provides water quality parameters at different depths of the waterbody through a dashboard. “We are using robotics and artificial intelligence and the internet of things to solve the problems in the water segment,” he said.

Sahu said it has a patented aeration device that diffuses air to the sediment level, where a majority aquatic species shelter. This helps in maintaining dissolved oxygen levels and reduces the energy consumption of pumps used in the aquaculture upto 75 per cent and capital cost by 20 per cent.

The device predicts the quantum of dissolved oxygen, un-ionized ammonia, phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, sulphide, and oxidation-reduction potential (the ability of a lake or river to cleanse itself or break down waste products such as contaminants and dead plants and animals. The monitoring devices are activated depending on the values recorded. The improved condition of the water body will result in fish production going up by about 15 per cent, he said.

“Water hyacinth and others make maintenance of waterbodies difficult and convert them to mosquito breeding grounds that emanate foul smell and emit greenhouse gases. Maintaining water quality will lead to soil moisture going up, which has a bearing on the flora and fauna,” said Sahu.

“Telangana curtailed migration of people by prioritising livelihoods to farmers. The Government has put in a lot of effort to rejuvenate about 40,000 lakes to create a tank-based irrigation system. However, continuous management of these waterbodies is needed to ensure that the farmers continue to benefit. Inland fisheries along with agriculture (short duration crops like tomato, bell pepper, coriander and others) will enhance revenues to the farmers as well as the Government,” he said.

“There are about 200 lakes in Hyderabad that need proper support. The civic bodies clean up but what is needed is rejuvenation to support life. We have approached Telangana Government to allow us a pilot,” he said, adding that the devices cost about Rs 3.5 lakh and are suited mainly for medium to large farmers. “We will guide them in cultivating commodities and later also link them to the market as well,” he said.

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