Besides providing quality services to the users, the endeavour is also aimed at making the state capital defecation-free. The state capital, which remained the summer capital of the British, attracts a large number of tourists, including many foreigners.
It is for the first time that the e-toilet facility is being provided anywhere in the state and the funds for it will be provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Considered as a major innovation in the public health and sanitation sector, the e-toilet can be used by inserting a coin, which will open the doors of the toilet for the user. The lights of the toilet, requiring a space of barely 5X5 feet, will switch on the moment the doors open and it will also have the facility of audio commands for the convenience of the users.
The e-toilet is a portable toilet that costs about Rs 6 lakh each and is user-friendly.
“We are constructing the e-toilets near the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Chaura Maidan, near the State Secretariat, Chhota Shimla, The Mall and The Ridge,” said Pankaj Rai, Municipal Commissioner. He added that the sites were being identified in other parts of the town as well so that the facility is provided in the entire town.
The e-toilets are programmed to flush 1.5 litres of water after three minutes of usage or 4.5 litres if the usage is longer, said the SMC engineers.
Other initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission include subsidy to the poor shack owners and others who don’t have toilet facility and funds for constructing toilets for complete sanitation. “In all, there are about 152 sanitary latrines, most of these located in the Krishna Nagar locality. These will be linked directly to the sewerage line to make Shimla open defecation-free under the mission,” Rai said.
The e-toilet ensures sustainable sanitation that integrates electronic, mechanical and web-mobile technologies. It controls the entry, usage, cleaning, exit and does not require deployment of manpower, said the SMC engineers.
What is an e-toilet
Can be used by inserting a coin, which will open the doors of the toilet for the user
The lights of the toilet, requiring a space of barely 5X5 feet, will switch on the moment the doors open
It will also have the facility of audio commands for the convenience of the users
The e-toilet is a portable toilet that costs about Rs 6 lakh and is user-friendly
Can flush 1.5 litres of water after three minutes of usage or 4.5 litres if the usage is longer
Source:Tribune News Service
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