In these times of climate change, we need technologies that can reduce fossil fuel consumption. Mangal Turbine is one such which can reduce diesel consumption with many other benefits. Unfortunately, the invention as well as the inventor remain neglected for reasons unknown.
Mangal Turbines invented by a farmer-scientist Mangal Singh of Bundelkhand way back in 80s, helps lifting of water from streams/small rivers by using the energy of flowing water in place of the present expensive diesel. The turbine can substantially reduce irrigation costs, enhance drinking water supply, decentralize energy renewal and promote rural cottage industry.
Mangal Singh a poor farmer from Bundelkhand was known for his enterprising and innovative farming methods from a very young age. Singh saw small farmers with low resources struggling to buy diesel and seeking out other possibilities of lifting water from rivers, nullahs and canals. It led to the invention of this device named after him as Mangal Turbines.
Singh first demonstrated the use of the device in 1987. Later it was patented as “Mangal Water Wheel Turbine Machine” as per Government of India gazette notification in 1998.
There are variants of the Turbine but the standard device contains a water wheel of 2 meter diameter with 12 blades radially fixed to the rim. The shaft is coupled with a suitable gear box for stepping up of rotation to 1500-1800 rpm. The output shaft of the gear box is coupled on one end with a centrifugal pump for lifting water and the other end is mounted with a suitable pulley to operate any other machine like crusher, grinder etc. By using the energy of flowing water in a stream, Mangal Turbine enables lifting of water for irrigation/drinking purposes and also produces mechanical power that can be harnessed for other purposes.
At least two former Secretaries of the Rural Development Ministry (B.K. Sinha and S.R. Sankaran) were votaries of Mangal Singh’s efforts. B.K. Saha, former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh writes about this device: “I made a detailed analysis of the economic viability of the ‘Wheel’ and its comparative advantage vis-a-vis alternative methods of pumping water from streams and small rivers for irrigation. The system is extremely cost-effective even after taking into consideration the cost of the Stop Dam. Where the Stop Dam is already available the system is even more cost-effective.”
The device is strongly recommended wherever there is flowing water in small streams by constructing a stop dam and installing one or two water wheels as designed and developed by Mangal Singh. It saves on energy like electricity or diesel and is ecologically benign.
A report by an official committee appointed by the Rural Development Ministry of the Union Government (the Maithani Report) had highly recommended the use of Mangal Turbines which was not being done.The Maithani Report says:It is undoubtedly unparalleled
in its simplicity and utility. Its cost benefit cannot be restricted to the extent of area irrigated and increase in production and income on account of that. It has multiple and multi-dimensional benefits.”
The Maithani Report says: “It is undoubtedly unparalleled in its simplicity and utility. Its cost benefit cannot be restricted to the extent of area irrigated and increase in production and income on account of that. It has multiple and multi-dimensional benefits.”
It has been estimated that if one unit of Mangal Turbine runs for 11 hours in a day, it saves 44 litres of diesel in a day (on the basis of use of 4 litre diesel per hour by 25 HP diesel pump). Again assuming irrigation by MT on 190 days in a year, a single unit of MT can save 8360 litres (44×190) in a year. Over a lifetime of 15 years one unit of MT can potentially save 125400
Civil Society, a leading journal on development issues, has recognized Mangal Singh`s work in its Hall of Fame Award. The Award was presented to Singh by eminent social activist Aruna Roy. Singh has worked tirelessly in adverse conditions since the last three decades under heavy financial constraints to spread awareness about his device and has experimented at various sites to improve its location-specific effectiveness. Mangal Singh, now 75, has suffered untold hardships in recent years. Installation of at least 100 by training rural youths can enhance lift irrigation in the region.