Thrithala: Sustainable Thrithala project, which has already become a model for water conservation is close to achieving another milestone. Community soak pits, where wastewater in the constituency will be scientifically treated, are under construction.

These community-level soak pits are being constructed at a scheduled caste nagar in seven panchayats except Paruthoor in the constituency. The project has been envisaged to benefit at least 100 scheduled caste families in the area.

The model project implemented by the respective panchayats, is overseen by the district Shuchithwa Mission. ₹38 lakh, which includes funds from the Swachch Bharat Mission and the panchayats, is being utilised for implementing the project. 

The water from the bathrooms, wash basins, washing machines and kitchen sinks would be treated using the soak pit technique.

Currently, the construction of the soak pits is completed at the Thoppilmattam Nagar in Chalissery panchayat as well as at Kundayam Lakshmaveedu Nagar in Thrithala panchayat and Lakshamveedu Nagar in the Thirumittakod panchayat.

The pits are completed at the Lakshamveedu Nagar in Nagalassery panchayat too. Shuchithwa Mission district coordinator G Varun said that the community soak pit system has been introduced to treat wastewater from places with spatial challenges.

Tanks to collect the grey water in which toilet waste isn’t mixed and inspection chambers to separate solid waste from the water are being constructed as part of the project. The grey water from the houses will be transported to the common soak pits for treatment through pipelines. 

An inspection chamber too is built close to the common soak pit. If grey water is not scientifically treated, then the bacteria and viruses in it will get mixed in the drinking water sources, causing severe health problems.

Besides, these stagnant water sources emit foul smell and often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects. Soak-pit system will eliminate such risks and keep the water sources safe.

The project aims to keep the public spaces clean and tidy by making appropriate changes in wastewater management.