After missiles, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has turned to developing technology for basic human needs. It has come out with bio-digester-based eco-friendly toilets for the rural poor.

These ‘green toilets’ will be installed in various gram panchayats to check open defecation.

A memorandum of understanding was signed here on Thursday between the DRDO and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation in this regard.

As a pilot project, the scheme will be launched in 300 gram panchayats in this year. The Rural Development Minister, Mr Jairam Ramesh, said the plan is to launch the scheme in 1,000 panchayats in the next five years. He said the average cost for one unit is Rs. 15,000, which could be reduced to Rs. 10,000 in the future. “By 10 years, we would be able to make India open-defecation free,” Mr Ramesh added.

The Defence Minister, Mr AK Antony, said the pilot programme would be developed as a national programme with the help of various Government agencies and NGOs.............Read more

Source: BusinessLine