Human waste to light up bio-toilets

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 Union Minister for Rural Development 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," DRDO's head of research and development Dr W Selvamurthy said.

Ramesh had recently inaugurated DRDO's project at Odisha's Dhamra coast where they are installing 1000 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 1000 gram panchayats with a budget of Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion).

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," Selvamurthy said adding they have found the water to be safe even for animals.