Over
more that 50 infections have been discovered owing to open
defecation. Around 80% of sickness of all ill persons
is transferred to healthy persons through human excreta.
Defecating
in the open alone is the root cause of several diseases
like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, typhoid poliomyelitis,
intestinal worms and many more.
Sulabh
Shauchalaya (Sulabh Toilet) consists of pan with steep slope
of 25 to 28 degree gradient and a 20mm waterseal trap. It
requires 1.5 to 2 litres of water for flushing.
The
excreta is carried into leach pits through pipes or covered
drains, one pit is to be used at a time. The liquid infiltrates
and gases disperse into the soil through the holes in the
pit lining. When one pit is full, excreta is diverted to
the second pit. In about 18 months rest period the contents
of filled up pit gets digested and become safe for handling.
The
pit can then be conveniently emptied and is ready to be
put back into use after the second pit is full. Thus, the
two pits can be used alternatively and continuously.
The
sludge of the pit is a good manure for use in horticulture/agriculture.
The
cost of emptying the pit can be met partially from the cost
of manure made available.
