The Hindu 01.04.2013
Project for chemical toilets in boats begins
The Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) has started the first phase work on a project to set up chemical toilets in its boats by initiating the process in 55 boats.
The work is expected to be over in three months.
The State Budget for 2013-14 mentions the setting up of such chemical toilets.
Shaji V. Nair, Managing Director, KSWTD, told The Hindu that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be implementing the technology in the boats of the department. “We have already got Administrative Sanction (AS) for the project,” he said.
The move comes in the wake of widespread protest against the pollution of Vembanad lake by the mushrooming houseboat industry.
Nearly 1,000 boats dump waste into the river during operation. “The technology developed by the DRDO for Siachen area is being used here,” he said.
Special tanks with bacteria, developed by the DRDO, will be used for the purpose. The technology will be installed by the Transfer of Technology (TOT) holders of the DRDO.
“It is expected to be ready in the 55 boats, as part of the first phase of the project,” Mr. Nair said.
The Department runs 84 boats in six districts in the State through its 14 operating stations.
These boats are the only solace for the hundreds of people in the Kuttanad area of Alappuzha district.
