THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Local Self Governments and Excise MB Rajesh stated that faecal sludge treatment plants should be expanded in the state to ensure proper cleanliness. “At least two plants in a district need to be implemented urgently. The government has started steps for that.”, said the minister.

“The treatment plants are designed to be eco-friendly to suit each location. Excreta collected from households will be converted into water and fertilizer through a safe treatment process. The treated water can be reused for non-domestic purposes. Solids will be turned into compost. The place where the plants are installed will be converted into a green park. More than 100 such plants are operating successfully in other states of India.

Kerala is progressing with huge achievements in the field of sanitation and waste management. Projects are being implemented with the goal of permanent solution to waste problems by 2026. The efficient functioning of local self-government bodies is important in this regard.

In 2016, our state achieved open defecation free status. However, there are shocking findings in the study conducted by the Suchitwa Mission. 79 percent of public water bodies including rivers, streams and ponds in Kerala are contaminated with human waste. This shocking study report comes on the occasion of World Toilet Day.

Coliform

The presence of coliform bacteria in water occurs due to mixing of toilet waste with water. Although these bacteria cause only mild infections, their presence pose a threat to human health.

Scientific handling is need in this issue. Suchitwa Mission has started a campaign called ‘Malabootham’ to address this issue. Septic tanks should be constructed as per the proper guidelines, clean the tank every three years/before filling, and ensure that the waste removed from the tank reaches the treatment plants. In this way the problem can be solved to some extent.