Nagpur News
e-Toilets Remain Non-Functional Two Years After Installation
The highly anticipated e-Toilet project by the Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL), which was initially expected to launch two years ago, continues to encounter administrative challenges. It is now projected that the e-toilets will take an additional month to become fully operational. As the city prepares for the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025, these smart toilets are crucial for scoring points in the ‘Waste Water Management’ category. However, the delays in their functionality may hinder Nagpur’s rankings.To enhance public sanitation, NSSCDCL initiated a pilot project that includes six out of a planned twelve e-toilets located at various sites throughout the city. Unfortunately, these toilets are not yet fully operational due to a lack of electricity connections and delays in construction work.
Dr. Sheel Ghule, General Manager (Environment) at NSSCDCL, stated, “Three units are nearly ready for use and are awaiting electricity connections, which we expect to receive within the next few days. These toilets should be functional within the next 15 days. The remaining three units have been installed, but we still need to complete some trenching work, which involves digging roads. This is expected to be finished within a month.”To ensure the successful installation and maintenance of the remaining e-toilets, the civic body has engaged a Nashik-based firm. These unmanned electronic toilets feature self-cleaning capabilities, are portable, and operate on sensor-based technology.As part of the pilot project, e-toilets have been installed in Ramdaspeth, Jaitala, Somalwada, Khamla Square, Kriplani Chowk, and Jaiprakash Nagar, with locations selected by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
The project was originally awarded to ERAM Scientific Solutions, a Kerala-based company tasked with installing 100 e-toilets within nine months. However, due to their failure to meet this commitment, NMC blacklisted the company last year. Subsequently, Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, the Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, scaled back the project from 100 units to 25, focusing on roads owned by NMC.The total cost for constructing the 25 e-toilets is approximately Rs 16.50 crore, with each unit costing around Rs 8 lakh. The e-toilets are color-coded: blue for men and pink for women. After inserting a coin, the toilet is flushed before and after use, and it self-cleans using UV radiation after the user exits. For waste management, the e-toilets are connected to drainage lines, while biodigesters will be installed in areas where drainage connections are not feasible.
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