Smart bio toilets way behind deadline

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 12: In order to meet ever rising demands, the Guwahati Smart City Ltd (GSCL) proposed the installation of 30 number of smart bio toilets at different locations of Guwahati under the Smart Cities Mission. For that, the GSCL earmarked a sum of Rs 9.53 crore and entrusted the work to the Eram Scientific Solutions Pvt Ltd, a Kerala-based company. Accordingly, the GSCL set May this year as the deadline for completion of the task. However, out of 30 proposed bio toilets only 3 have been completed so far. One such completed bio toilet has been installed at Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute premise, one at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital premise and one at Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority premise.

Interestingly, neither the GSCL nor the implementing company, no one could ascertain when the remaining 27 bio toilets will be installed. Notably, at a time when there has been unprecedented delay in meeting the deadline, the awarding of contract to the executing Eram Scientific with a higher rate is exposing the GSCL in the grip of another controversy.

The electronically operated bio toilet is designed to be biodegradable, environment-friendly with automatic user operation as well as remote monitoring system. The contract includes designing, constructing, installation, operation and maintenance for a period of five years.

The objective was to build sustainable and hygienic sanitation system in the city to prevent open defecation and to promote safety and dignity of women. It is also disabled friendly.