In a boost to both Swacch Bharat Mission and clean energy, Manipur has become the first state in North-East and third in India to have solar toilets.
The toilets are installed at Ibudhou Marjing hill Heingang of Manipur by Tourism Director, Waikhom Ibohal last week. He said, “I met an entrepreneur while attending a global summit in Guwahati recently where I was introduced to the technology of solar toilets. I immediately thought of using such toilets in Manipur”.
The solar panels attached to the top of the toilets absorb heat energy to generate power and also converts the waste material produced from the toilets. Manipur intends to install 100 solar toilets before 2nd October, beginning with tourist places and eventually covering rest of the state. Earlier, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have had solar toilets installed.
The solar power production in country has been given a boost by the Prime Minister Modi. Solar energy is being used extensively throughout the country. Earlier, Vishakapatnam railway station had become a fully energy efficient railway station with the installation of 1000 kw solar photo-voltaic systems. Similarly, Tatya Tope stadium in Bhopal has been converted as the first completely solar powered non-cricket stadium. India has joined hands with countries like France to promote solar energy through initiatives like International Solar Alliance. Recently, India has also signed agreements with France to promote solar energy in the country.
