Thiruvananthapuram:
A state agency plans to set up public toilets exclusively for women in city centres and tourist locations in Kerala, the first such initiative in the country.
Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC) plans to build 35 "she toilets" in Thiruvananthapuram in the first phase of the project.
According to PTM Sunish, Managing Director, KSWDC, lack of hygienic public toilets is a cause for concern for women, especially those who are working and travelling. Recent studies have shown that this factor is behind many health problems affecting women in the state.
The portable toilets will have a number of features ranging from sanitary-napkin vending machines and incinerators to burn used napkins and self-washing and automatic sterilisation facility, Sunish said.
The pilot project will begin in the state capital and then expanded to other parts of the state after evaluating its success.
"E-toilets are not new for us. They are present in almost all metro cities in India. But e-toilets with women friendly facilities is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country," Sunish told PTI.
"We have the government approval and tenders will be called soon. As a pilot project, a total of 35 'she-toilets' will be installed in various locations in the capital by the end of this month," he said.
Automatic payment collection, automatic door opening, 'busy' and 'free' display boards, an automatic platform cleaning system and an attached 'baby station' for diaper changing for babies are some of the facilities 'she-toilets' will provide..
Operation of these eco-friendly toilets would be controlled through GPS technology, Sunish said. The spots to set up the toilets would be decided in consultation with the City Corporation and the Public Works Department, he added.