Bio-toilets to come up at Vytilla and Palarivattom

KOCHI: Bio-toilets, a system that existed earlier in a few express trains running across the country, will soon make its way to Kochi city, thanks to the initiative by the corporation. According to corporation officials, bio-toilets will be set up at three locations including Vyttila and Palarivattom junctions during the initial stage. They are expected to be ready in three weeks. “The land we identified at Vyttila for setting up bio-toilets belongs to the PWD (public works department) and the department was reluctant to hand over the land for the purpose. “However, following a series of meetings with high-level officials, the department allotted the land to the corporation. “There are a few more formalities to be completed and once the final approval is given by the authorities from the head office at Thiruvananthapuram, we will set up the toilets. Since there are no bureaucratic tangles surrounding Palarivattom land, the city will have public bio-toilet there within two or three weeks,” said K J Sohan, town planning committee chairperson of corporation.Meanwhile, sources revealed that five more locations – Cochin Corporation office, Fort Kochi, Kacheripady and locations near the childrens’ park opposite to St Teresa’s College and Town Hall – have been identified for setting up bio-toilets. But the corporation is yet to announce them officially.Azim Ismail, managing director of Forest Industries Travancore Limited (FITL), a state government undertaking, which has been entrusted with the task of providing bio-toilets, told TOI that unlike e-toilets that just collect human waste, bio-toilets treat the waste and the residue would be odorless gas and water.“The technology was developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) for Indian army and we adopted it. Anaerobic bacteria are present in the container that collects human excreta and they break down waste quickly to produce water that can be used for agricultural purposes. DRDO which is providing the bacteria said that their initial supply will be enough for 50 years if proper maintenance and cleanliness is maintained,” Azim said.Bio-toilets would be suitable for the situation in Kerala which struggles to deal with waste management. While a single e-toilet costs Rs 5 lakh, the cost of a bio-toilet would be only half that amount, he added.“A maximum of 400 people can use a toilet per day. The system can treat the waste collected within two days. “There is an option for powering the interiors with solar power. Local bodies can set it up near railway stations, bus stands and public spaces. “Timely maintenance will ensure its longevity. Those who are entrusted with the cleaning of the toilets, can collect a nominal amount from the users,” FITL MD added.