At just 18, Mannat Kaur has achieved what many seasoned innovators dream of — representing India on a global platform with a life-changing innovation. Her eco-friendly greywater recycling system can save up to 5,000 litres of drinking water every month, making her the first Indian to compete at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (2024).
Turning Water Crisis Into Innovation
It all began in 2016 when a two-day water supply disruption in Delhi left residents struggling for every drop. Witnessing this crisis as a 10-year-old, Mannat made a promise to find a solution. Years of research, household water audits, and surveys later, she developed a ‘Decentralised Greywater Collection and Recycling System’ — a sustainable, low-cost innovation that can reuse up to 50% of household water and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 85%.
Inspired by Tradition, Built for the Future
Inspired by the Indian ‘Khamba composting’ technique, Mannat’s design features two key components — the Scupper Valve (SV), which collects used water from showers and kitchens, and the Bilge Vessel (BV), a natural filtration system using charcoal, orange peels, and pebbles.
The treated water can then be used for mopping, irrigation, or car washing, offering an affordable, eco-friendly option for every home.
Her prototype, installed in her own home, has been working seamlessly for two years, saving thousands of litres monthly — proving that innovation can start right at home.
Representing India on the Global Stage
After winning the national round at IIT Madras, Mannat represented India at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, where she presented her system before global industry leaders, including engineers from Xylem, and even met the King and Queen of Sweden.
“Mannat’s design bridges the gap between awareness and action,” says her mentor, Prof. Indumathi Nambi, from IIT Madras.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Her father, Gurneet Singh, proudly shares, “For a family of four, the system saves up to 6,000 litres a month. The Rs2000 setup cost pays for itself within a year.”
The project’s decentralised model also offsets 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, redefining how sustainability can be made personal and practical.
A Vision for India’s Sustainable Future
Now, Mannat plans to make her invention commercially available, empowering every household to recycle water and reduce dependence on fresh supplies.
Her mission is simple yet powerful — to make sustainability accessible, affordable, and part of everyday life.
At just 18, Mannat Kaur has turned a moment of crisis into a movement for change, proving that age is no barrier when purpose flows strong.
