♦ The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a high-pressure nanoporous multi-layered polymeric membrane for seawater desalination.

♦ The advanced membrane, designed to withstand harsh saline conditions, has been developed by the Kanpur-based Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a premier laboratory under DRDO.

♦ The indigenous technology has been specifically tailored to meet the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships.

♦ The development, completed in a record time of just eight months, addresses the serious challenge of membrane degradation caused by exposure to chloride ions in saline water.

♦ DMSRDE, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, has successfully conducted initial technical trials using the new membrane in an existing desalination unit onboard an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV).

♦ The initial safety and performance results have been found to be fully satisfactory.