(a) the salient features of the bio-toilets developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO);
(b) whether DRDO is using dung/cow dung in the said bio-toilets;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the number of such bio-toilets constructed in the country along with the number of beneficiaries of such toilets, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a): The major features of bio-toilet developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are as under:
• It makes use of an anaerobic (without oxygen) process through which the human waste is digested by consortium of bacteria.
• Bio-toilet has been customized and different designs have been developed for use under different geo-climatic conditions.
(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. The Cow dung is used for the enrichment bacterial consortium. Following four types of bacteria are present in the consortium:
• Hydrolase
• Acidogenase
• Acitogenase
• Methogens
(d): DRDO has transferred the technology to approximately 60 industries all over the country. These industries have installed bio-digesters across the country. A total number of about 16000 bio-digesters have been installed in more than 20 states. In addition, more than 2.5 lakhs bio-digesters have been installed in Indian Railways coaches, which cater to the need of more than 100 lakhs passengers on daily basis.
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