
E-Ball Revolution: How A Chhattisgarh Scientist Is Cleaning India's Waters With Microbes
Dr Prashant Sharma's e-ball cleans polluted water naturally and affordably, offering a lasting eco-solution
In a quiet corner of Chhattisgarh, a scientist has sparked a silent revolution, using microbes instead of machines to cleanse India's polluted waters. This scientist, affectionately known as the 'Water Man', has earned nationwide acclaim for his groundbreaking and environmentally conscious innovation.
In an age where technological solutions are often expensive and complex, Dr Prashant Sharma from Surguja has devised this simple yet impactful method that offers a model for the rest of the country. After dedicating 13 years to meticulous research, Dr Prashant Sharma developed the 'E-Ball' – a biological sphere containing millions of microbes capable of purifying polluted ponds and drains naturally over extended periods.
Initial trials, supported by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation, delivered remarkable outcomes. Stagnant, foul-smelling drains and debris-filled ponds, previously resistant to mechanical and chemical treatments, were effectively cleansed by the E-Ball. Scientific assessments of BOD, COD, and pH levels indicated that water treated with this method could be considered potable.
Affordable, Sustainable, And Eco-Conscious
Traditional water purification methods can cost between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per acre annually. In contrast, the E-Ball achieves comparable results at a significantly lower cost, at around Rs 7,000 per acre per year.
Most importantly, this solution is eco-friendly and poses no harm to aquatic ecosystems.
A key feature of the E-Ball is its ability to foster a self-sustaining colony of beneficial microbes within the water body, ensuring continuous purification without repeated intervention. This renders it a permanent and sustainable solution, unlike temporary chemical treatments.
Dr Prashant Sharma, who earned his PhD from Delhi University, returned to Ambikapur University in November 2024 after gaining international experience in the USA, South Korea, and Poland. His journey underscores how socially driven scientific innovation can lead to cost-effective, impactful environmental solutions. He stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring scientists across the nation.
First Published:
June 05, 2025, 10:28 IST
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