India's First Saline Water LED Lantern Launched By Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first Saline Water Lantern, developed by Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), which uses the sea water as the electrolyte between specially designed electrodes to power the LED lamps.

Singh unveiled the first-of-its kind lantern named “Roshni” during a visit to SAGAR ANVESHIKA, a Coastal Research Vessel, operated and used by the NIOT, Chennai for coastal research, the Ministry of Earth Science said in a release on Saturday (13 August).

The minister said Saline Water Lantern will bring “Ease of Living” to the poor and needy, particularly the fishing community living along the 7,500 kilometres long coastal line of India.

Singh said that Saline Water Lantern will also boost and supplement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UJALA scheme launched in 2015 for distribution of LED bulbs across the country.

He said Roshni 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.

Singh also 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 the common salt can be used to power the lantern, which is not only cost-effective, but very easy to operate, the ministry said.

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 the times of the disasters.