HUBBALLI: In order to make sanitary napkins easily available for women and girls in public places, sanitary napkin vending machines will be placed in various parts of the twin cities under Smart City Mission . The first set of units will be installed this week.Sources in the Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL) told TOI that a total of 31 machines and three sanitary napkin incinerators will also be installed. The vending machines will be fully automated electronic model, programmable, and customisable. Napkins can be bought after inserting coins. The machines will be installed at an estimated cost of Rs 16 lakh.HDSCL special officer S H Naregal told TOI that the machines will be installed at toilets in HDMC main office, Chitaguppi Hospital and Lamington High School. A total of 15 machines will be installed at Chitaguppi Hospital, 11 at Lamington School and five at HDMC office. Incinerators, which destroy the used napkins, will also be installed at these locations."The first set of units will be installed this week. Though coins can be inserted to buy the napkins, the possibility is being explored to make the napkins free of cost at the school, hospital and HDMC main office. The cost will be borne by these institutions," he said.The source said the machine will help young girls and women get napkins without any hassle. Each vending machine dispenses 240 napkins per day. Destroying used napkins is an issue. Scientific disposal can prevent the spread of diseases. The incinerators will solve these problems. The incinerator can process 40 to 50 napkins per cycle and 200 to 250 per day. Each used pad will convert into only one gram of ash.The HDSCL is planning to install more machines at e-toilets too. However, a final call in this regard is yet to be taken.

Stay updated with all the Latest Hubli headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.