Jharkhand’s first waterless urinal service was inaugurated by Deputy Mayor Sanjiv Vijaywargia and others here at Kokar on Sunday. In order to conserve water and boast agricultural practices, this particular new technology known as ‘urine harvesting unit’ can be a boon.
Citing details about the waterless urinal, Sanjiv Kumar of Systematic Agro Based Research Institute, asserted, “Urinal trap is inducted inside the pot, which operates like valve. Urinal trap is made up of silicon membranes that prevent it from stinking. The technology will help in conserving water. The urine collected in the tank can further be utilized for various purposes especially in agriculture.”
Speaking about urine as an agricultural resource, Kumar further added, “In a research it is proved that treated urine is an excellent fertilizer. The annual combined excreta of one family contains around as much useful plant nutrients as 50 kg of urea. About 90 per cent of the nitrogen, 65 per cent of the phosphorus and 73 per cent of the potassium in human excreta is found in urine, in a composition similar to chemical fertilizers. The urine produced by one person during one year is sufficient to fertilize crops.”
“Fields trial show urine is safe, effective and free substitute for commercial agricultural fertilizers. Benefits of urine harvesting prove a powerful incentive for local adoption and promotion of sustainable sanitation,” Kumar further said.
looking at the benefits of waterless urinal, Ranchi Municipal Corporation has come forward and is also willing to adopt the same model for the rest of the areas in the city.
“Presently we have started the first ever waterless urinal in city on the pilot basis. However, looking at the benefits of model, we are planning to expand the project. We will start the waterless urinal service in other areas of the city too. As many as 250 areas have been demarcated by the RMC for this particular purpose,” said Deputy Mayor Sanjiv Vijaywargia.
“Maintenance of waterless Urinal is again a big challenge for the concerned authorities. However, for the newly built waterless urinal, the committee has been formed. Few residents who are in the committee will maintain the waterless urinal,” Vijaywargia further added.