First Model Community Bio-digester Sanitary Complex of the state has been installed at Nathnagar Block, Bhagalpur, Bihar

Media Brief

Bihar, March 30, 2015

Nearly 50 percent of India’s population defecates in the open, with the situation particularly acute in impoverished rural areas. The effects of open defecation are serious; affecting environment, agriculture produce, human health, economic and social development. Moreover, this is also a concern for the security of women as it is the time when a woman is most vulnerable and exposed. Lack of sanitation facilities is a problem recognized across the political spectrum.

In this context, it gives me great pleasure to share that Jagran Pehel, in association with Jagran Prakashan Ltd and Govt of Bihar, has set up Bihar’s first ever Bio-digester Community Toilet at Nathnagar Block in the district of Bhagalpur. It was inaugurated on 25th March 2015 by Honorable Member of Rajya Sabha and Ex-minister, Govt of India; Mr. Jairam Ramesh, in the presence of Mr.S.M.Sharma, Chairman, Pehel-The Initiative, Mr.Anand Madhab, CEO, Jagran Pehel, Mr.Chandrasekhar Singh, Deputy Development Commissioner, Bhagalpur, other District officials, PRI representatives and other distinguished personalities of Bhagalpur. This initiative of Pehel to support the cause of making Bihar an open defecation free state has been highly appreciated. By setting up the bio-digester unit, we intend to keep cleanliness in the surroundings and also re-use energy and waste water produced in the process to provide electricity and other plantation/agricultural activities.

The community toilet comprises of 4 Water Closet Toilets, 1 washroom and 1 wash basin for each gender. The unit has been set up in a covered premise of 50ft x 30ft to ensure safety. Following are the specifications of the toilet:

Rigid structure made of MS Sheet with MS Tubes

8 Water Closets, 2 Washrooms and 2 Wash Basins

Separate units for each gender

1000Lt Water tank provided

Supply water connection from PHED

FRP Bio-digester installed is DRDO approved and used in Indian Railways

Doors with locking arrangement

The toilet is surrounded with walls all around for safety

Proper ventilation is provided in each toilet to eliminate foul smell

Water taps are provided in each toilet / bathroom

Water flushing system installed

Sewerage connections are done in a manner to be attended easily for maintenance

FRP mat flooring to avoid slippery accidents

The roof is tapered to avoid accumulation of rain water

We at Jagran Pehel are committed towards addressing the critical issue of open defecation, and assure our continual efforts in improving the current scenario and gradually make the nation OPEN DEFECATION FREE, via awareness generation and constriction of several such toilets.

For further information, please contact:

Pawan

Email: pawangera@nda.jagran.com