Bio-toilet, electronic toilet: Delhi civic body's new experiments

The MCD today launched two new eco-friendly toilets built with innovative technologies on an experimental basis and said it may install some such units near the Commonwealth Games venues after examining all aspects.

Mayor Prithvi Raj Sawhney inaugurated a bio-toilet at Nigam Bodh Ghat parking area on Ring Road and an electronic ladies toilet near Kudesia Park in Kashmere Gate.

Both the units have been installed free of cost by two private agencies and the civic body will take a final decision on installing more such toilets after ascertaining the feasibility and other aspects, Sawhney said.

In the bio-toilet, manufactured by CBS Technologies based on technology developed and approved by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the sludge and faecal matter is decomposed in a pit using bacteria to convert them into methane and water, which was discharged in a soak pit outside.

"The toilet is maintenance-free, does not need sewage system. After bacteria recharge, they re-generate on their own and after that recharge may be needed only after six months," MCD Remunerative Cell chief Amiya Chandra said.

Company officials said the technology minimises odour and the water generated can be used for gardening. Already 100 such bio-toilets are in use at various army locations. In these units, sceptic tanks are not required.

Municipal commissioner KS Mehra said such units can be installed in areas where open defecation is rampant. "We will also decide if these toilets can be placed near Games venues," he said. Other officials said the units can be used in slums and JJ (jhuggi-jhopri) Colonies.

The electronic ladies toilet has an automatic payment collection system and the user will have to put a Rs 5 coin into a slot to open the door. There will be pre-flush system and automatic flushing in case the user does not do it.

"The unit is linked to GPRS facility for remote access of its working condition. It will also issue an alert if the user is inside for over 20 minutes, which will help prevent vandalism and ensure safety," a representative of the company Dea Celera Electronic Devices said adding, the technology is supported by Department of Science and Technology.

The mayor said both kinds of toilets have been set up on an experimental basis and MCD will have to decide where to install such units after examining all aspects. "Now these have been installed free-of-cost by the companies. We will take a final decision on replicating the models only after study. We can set them up near Games venues," he said.

He felt that the Rs5 charge for electronic toilets is too much and said it can lowered if required.

Top MCD officials also inspected the use of microbes to treat the water of a nullah in Kudesia Park, which is aimed at doing away with the foul smell.