The Indian Express       14.11.2013

18 toilet blocks with new technology to be set up in greenbelts

The greenbelts of the city is set to get new toilet blocks constructed with the same technology through which the 10 storey building in Mohali was constructed within 48 hours. It is for the first time that such a technology would be used for construction of toilet blocks.

A total of 18 toilet blocks have been proposed in 15 greenbelts. The sites for the same have been selected and handed over to the company Synergy Thrislington. Within one month, all toilet blocks would be ready.

The toilets would be factory made modular steel structures using walls made up of Expanded Polystyrene System. The material, used in these toilets would be insulated which would ensure better thermal conductivity and would be eco-friendly. The technology is earthquake resistant up to Zone 5. As much as 80 per cent of the work is carried out in the factory and only 20 per cent will be done in the site.

The toilet blocks would be constructed in Sectors 15, 18, 19, 22, 35, 37, 38, 40, 42, 11, 56, 29, 41, 48, 41 and 47. For its maintenance, resident welfare associations will be roped in. A similar technology had been used for construction of a 10-storey building in 48 hours in Mohali. Only then a proposal was mooted that the same technology be used for construction of toilet blocks. The project will cost Rs 1.11 crore. Each toilet block would cost around Rs 6 lakh.

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.