The Times of India            13.11.2013 

More local bodies in Koz go for eco-friendly toilets

KOZHIKODE: An increasing number of panchayats in the district have started consulting the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) to set up green 'eco-san' toilets to prevent groundwater pollution due to seepage of septic tank waste. Two grama panchayats in Kozhikode district and two from Kasaragod have already approached CWRDM expressing keenness to set up the toilet units.

CWRDM had successfully implemented the scheme in Chathamangalam, Olavanna and Mavoor panchayats. The panchayats had come forward to set up the eco-friendly toilets after a CWRDM study in the area revealed poor sanitary conditions due to proximity of drinking water source to latrines. CWRDM now plans to set up more such toilets in other grama panchayats as part of the international year of the auto cooperation in the local self-government bodies which comes forward to set up the toilets.

P S Harikumar, head of CWRDM water quality department, said, eco-san toilets are dry compost toilets that solve the problem of high water table sanitation.

"The toilets are meant for water-logged areas and areas prone to severe water scarcity. The dry compost toilets will protect wells and prevent groundwater contamination.A toilet costs around Rs 25,000," he said.

Elaborating on the concept, Harikumar added that concreting in the bottom layer ensures that human excreta and urine do not come into contact with the soil. Waste collected in the separate chambers are converted into manure in six months and water which can be used for irrigation," he said.

President of Karassery grama panchayat Reena Prakash said the panchayat decided to set up the eco-friendly toilets considering the groundwater pollution. "We have already informed members of various panchayat committees about the plan to set up green toilets to prevent pollution of groundwater due to the mixing of septic waste with the water," she said. "A decision in this regard will be taken after on the basis after getting view of everybody,'' she said.

Meanwhile, K E Rajagopal, president of Chathamanagalam grama panchayat where CWRDM set up three dry toilets said the toilets are of great benefit in waterlogged areas. "We have started working on a proposal to set up more such toilets at scheduled caste colonies in the panchayat and in frequently flooded areas," he said.