Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh has gained the unique distinction of becoming the first district in the country with the highest number of e-toilets (461) in its schools. Kerala-based Eram Scientific Solutions, the sole manufacturers of e-toilets (electronic toilets) in the country, has deployed these automated and self-cleaning e-toilets in 411 schools in Nellore as part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Tata Consultancy Services.
The school model e-toilet “e-Lite14” has automatic floor wash system, automatic ceiling light, exhaust fan, in-built sensors to conserve electricity and water, and an overhead water tank. It works on both solar and electric grid and is priced at Rs.1 lakh. It also has a one-year warranty and insurance coverage.
Eram Scientific has deployed more than 1,200 e-toilets in 18 states in India and has received over 38 national and international awards for their innovative intervention in sanitation.
Important Facts
- More than 53 percent of Indian homes — about 70 percent in the villages — lack toilets.
- Poor sanitation and contaminated water cause 80 percent of the diseases afflicting rural India.
- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to fix by making sure every home in the country has a toilet of its own by 2019.
- Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh account for 45% of the country’s households without a toilet.
Test Your Knowledge
The World Toilet Day is observed on _______.
