DRDO Technology in Rural Toilets
Rural areas in Tamil Nadu are likely to use Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) technology to root out open defecation, if all goes well, according to K Sekhar, former chief controller of Research and Development, DRDO.
Addressing students during the 89th College Day celebrations of Loyola College here recently, Sekhar, who is also the vice-chancellor of Vels University, said that Tamil Nadu is currently experimenting with bio-digester technology developed by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) and Tezpur-based Defence Research Laboratory (DRL).
Sekhar said that it is likely that the technology could be implemented across the rural areas of the State. He said the bio-digester technology came into being after soldiers had a problem with clearing human waste in high altitude areas.
Talking about the innovation, Sekhar said that bio-toilet degrades and converts the human waste into usable water and gasses in an eco-friendly manner. The generated gas can be utilised for energy, cooking and the generated water for irrigation purposes. The process involves use of bacteria that feed upon the fecal matter inside the tank. Through an anaerobic process, it finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas that can be used for cooking, along with the treated water.
He said that use of such technology could make the environment clean. He hoped that the government would come out with a legislation that required every house to have bio-toilets. He also urged the students to innovate and come up with new ideas that benefit society.
Earlier, deputy commissioner of income tax V Nandakumar highlighted his experiences in climbing the social ladder and said that every human being has unlimited potential.
“I was a sixth-grade drop-out, a dyslexic child. But then I changed everything. Though my college grades were bad, I topped civil service exam,” said Nandakumar.
He had never thought he would ever meet the President and Prime Minister. “Now I have an invitation from US President to dine with him, isn’t it a big achievement?” said Nadakmar, citing the importance of believing in oneself.
Vice-principal of Loyola College S Albones Raj, rector A M Jayapathy Francis and principal G Joseph Antony Samy were also present. A total of 120 students were honoured on the occasion.