Around 10 families from Bicholim have got blessing in disguise with an agency along with an NGO helping them build a bio-toilet, which was their distant dream.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with the Rotary Club of Bicholim took the initiative to build toilet for those who could not afford toilets for all these years. The first of its kind bio-toilet in Goa was provided to a family at Walshi in Bicholim.
Developed by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) and Tezpur-based Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), both laboratories of DRDO, the bio-toilets, fondly known as ‘E-loo’, use anaerobic microbial bacteria to decompose and convert biological human excreta into usable water and gases.
The representative of DRDO, Sumit Singh informed that anaerobic bacteria have been imported from Antarctica and can function effectively in extreme conditions and temperature ranging from -6 degree Celsius to 50 degree Celsius. “In Goa there is variety of land available and such toilets will be helpful,” Sumit said adding, “There is no maintenance required for these toilets as they can be used by a family of six.”
“The process involves the bacteria which feed upon the faecal matter inside the tank, through anaerobic process, which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas that can be used for cooking, along with the treated water which one can use for plants,” Sumit added.
BMC chairman, Satish Gaonkar expressed happiness that first bio-toilet was installed in Bicholim and that ten more would be made available to the people in coming days. “This new technology would be very helpful as it involves low cost at the same time and there is no maintenance required,” Gaonkar said adding that “These toilets could also be placed next to wells and this would be good option for those who have space constraints.”
