Solar Toilets At Sissu, Triloknath Temple In Lahaul To Become Reality Soon

The Lahaul and Spiti district administration is looking to establish solar energy system-enabled toilets. The system will work even in the winter season at Sissu, close to the Atal Tunnel and on the premises of Triloknath temple, Deputy Commissioner Neeraj Kumar has said, adding that this is set to be one-of-a-facility in the country, which will use solar energy to keep a check on the freezing water when during the winter season.

The said administration has been been on the lookout to put to use solar energy to make passive space heating possible in toilets with an aim to keep water from freezing. The Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, has joined hands with district administration to devise a solution for the challenge.

A pilot project, for which survey has been executed, is already in the works, “Dr Anil Kishan, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, has done a field survey to chalk out requirements for establishing two toilet units on a pilot basis. One will be established close to the Sissu helipad and another at the Triloknath temple. If this model is successful, it will be replicated at all major tourist destinations in the district. The district administration will bear the cost of the project from funds allocated under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin,” the Deputy Commissioner has revealed.

IIT, a group of world-class engineering educational institutes, has been doing pioneering work in the field of solar energy. Recently, researchers from IIT Delhi developed shadow-less portable solar PV towers that boast of high efficiency. Other than that, the institute continually conducts groundbreaking researches and studies in renewable energy.