Akvo’s Air-to-Water Breakthrough Brings Hope to Drought-Hit Rajasthan

In a promising step toward climate-resilient water access, sustainable tech startup Akvo has deployed atmospheric water generators (AWGs) in drought-prone regions of Rajasthan. The initiative is part of a broader push to decentralize water infrastructure and offer clean drinking water where groundwater is scarce and pipelines are unreliable.

 

How Akvo’s Technology Works

 

•⁠  ⁠Ambient air is drawn into the AWG unit and filtered to remove dust and pollutants

 

•⁠  ⁠The air is cooled to its dew point, condensing moisture into liquid water

 

•⁠  ⁠Multi-stage purification, including UV sterilization, ensures potable quality

 

•⁠  ⁠Final output is stored in insulated tanks and dispensed for local use

 

Deployment and Impact

 

•⁠  ⁠Pilot units have been installed in Barmer and Jaisalmer, producing 500–1,000 liters of water daily depending on humidity

 

•⁠  ⁠Beneficiaries include schools, health centers, and community hubs that previously relied on tanker deliveries

 

•⁠  ⁠The system operates off-grid and is being upgraded with solar panels for full energy independence

Support and Scale-Up Plans

 

•⁠  ⁠Akvo is part of IIT Ropar’s PRAGATI 2025 accelerator, which backs deep-tech startups tackling agri-water challenges

 

•⁠  ⁠Collaborations with district administrations and NGOs aim to expand coverage to 50 villages by mid-2026

 

•⁠  ⁠IoT dashboards are being developed to monitor water production and quality in real time

 

Why It Matters

 

•⁠  ⁠Rajasthan faces chronic water stress, with over 60% of districts classified as arid or semi-arid

 

•⁠  ⁠Akvo’s AWG technology offers a scalable, sustainable alternative to conventional water systems

 

Sources: Free Press Journal, PRAGATI 2025 (IIT Ropar), India News Calling.