The Ecosan toilet project formulated by Centre for Water Resources and Management (CWRDM), here, to curb groundwater pollution due to the unscientific treatment of septage, is scripting a new story in ecological sanitation in the district.
As a pilot project, the CWRDM established Ecosan toilets at four locations in Chathamangalam Grama Panchayat last year and owing to the huge success of the project more panchyats have come forward to set up these toilets which are very eco-friendly.
So far, Mavoor, Karassery Gramapanchayats have approached CWRDM for setting up Ecosan toilets in their limits, said CWRDM officials. “This waterless toilet is a type of self-composting toilet that is not connected to a septic tank or main sewer line. The advantages of this eco-friendly system include prevention of pollution caused by conventional sanitation system,” said CWRDM Scientist and Head Water Quality and Division, P S Harikumar.
Ecosan toilets are waterless toilets that have two chambers used alternatively. The toilet is provided with a concrete bottom so that there is no contact between the human excreta and the soil. The urine and excreta collected would be treated separately. The urine would be filtered in a filter media installed in one chamber and would be transformed to good water which can be used for irrigation purposes. In the other side the excreta collected would be mixed up with ash and this turns compost within six months.
The cost for setting up an Eco-san toilet is around Rs 24,000, said CWRDM authorities.“CWRDM proposed this concept for a project implemented with the aid of UNICEF in the state. While the state has no methods or plans for treatment of septage, and septic tanks in urban areas becoming major sources of groundwater pollution, ecosan toilets are one of the best alternatives,” said Harikumar.
According to a study only, 47 percent use toilet facility in India. From this only 36 percent have the facility of septic tank, he added.
The Ecosan toilet established in Vellannur Lakshamveedu colony and the colony near MES HSS Chathamangalam have drawn good responses from the local people and the Chathamangalam Grama Panchayat authorities are planning to set up more of these type of toilets in the panchayat.
“Owing to the success of Ecosan toilets, we would implement more number of these toilets at half the cost,” said Chathamangalam Gramapanchayat president K E Rajagopalan.