Hindustan Zinc to build 30,000 toilets in rural Rajasthan

Hindustan Zinc, a company involved in zinc-lead-silver business, has signed an agreement with the Rajasthan government to build 30,000 toilets for poor families in rural areas.

The construction of these toilets under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan programme in 80 villages will be completed in three years.

"This project has been undertaken by Hindustan Zinc to provide clean and hygienic household toilets to below poverty line (BPL) families and discourage and eventually eliminate the open defecation practice in villages," the company's corporate communication head Pavan Kaushik said in a statement.

Hindustan Zinc would spend about Rs.8.6 crore for the toilets.

Construction of each toilet will cost around Rs.8,500. Under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, Rs.4,600 will be paid by the government, Rs.3,000 by Hindustan Zinc and Rs.900 by the beneficiary.

Construction has started in Bhilwara, Chittorgarh and Udaipur districts. So far, 8,000 toilets have been completed.

Two 'leach pits' will be made below each toilet to facilitate disposal of waste. Only one pit will be used at a time. Each pit will be full in about five years.

As the first pit becomes full, the second will be opened. Within five years, the waste in the first pit will be converted to manure to be utilised by farmers for agriculture purposes.