A comprehensive, affordable, sustainable and hygienic solution aimed at catering to the basic and diverse sanitation needs of the common man is the need of the hour in India, which lacks public sanitation facilities everywhere. Difficulty in maintenance, periodic breakdowns, and maintaining a good standard of hygiene in conventional sanitation facilities have remained a challenge in India.

Is there any comparison between the street toilets (above) and ours (below)?! Also note the state we are keeping our latest facilities. What price Swachh?!

– The Editor

In this context, Eram Scientific Solutions (ESS), a home-grown social enterprise based in Kerala, has introduced toilets which effectively address the challenges faced in the sanitation front by integrating new technologies and better materials at affordable cost.

Its eToilets comprise stainless steel (SS) enclosures and have electronic systems to enhance user experience and tracking the health status of these toilets. eToilets have automated access control systems, sensor enabled water minimisation, self-washing and floor wash mechanisms. The stainless steel enclosures are extremely durable and corrosion-resistant.

The SS closet is provided with a P-trap facility to ensure better hygiene and cleanliness in the squatting pan. The P-trap also helps to prevent foul smell inside the toilets and thus ensures cleanliness round the clock. Unlike the ceramic or plastic closets, the SS closet structure is strong enough to withstand heavy weight and major damages. One eToilet SS model weighs approximately 310 kg.

The eToilet has a facility of pre-flushing before entering, automatic flushing once used, in-built water tanks, sensors for water and electricity conservation, automatic platform, cleaning and power back-up with coin operated entry. Keeping in mind individual needs these toilets are programmed to flush 1.5 litres of water after three minutes of usage or 4.5litres if usage is longer. The performance status of the units can also be monitored via web using GPRS connectivity of the units. This innovation involves unmanned operations and thus ensures easy and continual operation of the toilets while minimising unnecessary maintenance costs.

These eToilets come in variants such as General Public Model, Civic/School Model, and She Toilet. (Courtesy: Stainless India)