Methane gas generated from human waste could be used to light up bio-toilets developed by scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Acting on suggestions made by the Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr Jairam Ramesh, the premier research agency is now working to provide lighting solution for the convenience of those who will use bio-toilets in darkness.
We are finding out the means to do it as the rate of production of methane gas will be very small and it will be difficult to concentrate it at one place, the DRDO’s Head of Research and Development, Dr W. Selvamurthy, said.
Mr Ramesh had recently inaugurated DRDO’s project at Odisha’s Dhamra coast where they are installing 1,000 bio-toilets to prevent open-defecation.
The Minister had also asked officials there to increase the width of the eco-friendly toilet, named ‘E-LOO’ by DRDO, and also provide cross-ventilation.
“We will immediately incorporate these two changes in our external structure,” the scientist said.
The Rural Development Ministry has announced plans to install these eco-toilets in 1,000 gram panchayats with a budget of Rs 400 crore.
The bio-toilets use bio-digester technology wherein a bacteria feeds upon the fecal matter inside the septic tank, through anaerobic process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas and water.
“You can use this water for irrigation. We have demonstrated this by cultivating vegetables,” Mr Selvamurthy said adding they have found the water to be safe even for animals.
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.