News written by
IIHS
Constructing a toilet with proper specification and design is as equally important as having an individual toilet to prevent open defecation, a new guidebook launched by the Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) on how to build toilets states.
Constructing a toilet with proper specification and design is as
equally important as having an individual toilet to prevent open defecation, a
new guidebook launched by the Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support
Programme (TNUSSP) on how to build toilets states.
Deviation from the specification and design in constructing toilets and on site
septage system will take a toll on environment and public health. TNUSSP,
along with local bodies has planned to promote the guidebook, complying
with pan India standards, to educate masons, construction workers, public
and stakeholders.
Except for the limited vicinity that has proper underground drainage system
(UGDS), majority households in the city rely on onsite sanitary system,
mostly the septic tank and soak pit model. A consortium of organisations led
by Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) involved in promoting
urban sanitation said the design of septic tanks in many cases were
compromised to meet the available space of work site, which, according to
experts was a grievous mistake in maintaining environmental safety.
While small size septic tanks will make the toilets overflow with fecal matter
frequently, large size of septic tanks may lead to ground pollution as the
confinement would not fill quite easily.
