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PurePath: Walk cleaner, breathe fresher.

PurePath: Walk cleaner, breathe fresher.

This startup is an initiative dedicated to Urban Hygeine : 

The Problem:

Public urination on roadsides, walls, and in markets is a constant problem in Indian cities. It is more than just an eyesore; it causes bad smells, health risks, and makes public spaces feel less dignified. Shopkeepers, residents, and commuters deal with these issues every day. Although toilets would be the best solution, building and maintaining them is costly, and changing habits takes time. As a result, cities have faced this challenge for years.

The Gaps in the Current Solutions:
• Public toilets exist, but not at the scale or accessibility required for busy city life.
• Wall paintings (like gods’ images) discourage urination but don’t solve the root cause.
• Municipal cleaning is reactive, not preventive.
• Current sanitation solutions are either too expensive (toilets) or too ineffective (paint deterrents).


Proposed Solution:
My idea is simple yet impactful - absorbent, odor-neutralizing pads and panels placed at city hotspots. Instead of expensive infrastructure or endless cleaning, these low-cost, replaceable solutions keep streets fresh, reduce odor, and make public spaces more livable.These absorb liquids such as urine, paan or gutka, drain leakage, etc. While absorbing all this it makes sure to keep the place odor free and keeps the place clean. This solution might not look like an efficient solution but the repeated behaviours even after the government initiated to deploy mobile toilets, etc. These replacable pads might help this problem as not many will try to urinate on these pads (trying to maintain dignity) but even if they do they absorb it all and can be replaced in regular intervals (twice or thrice a month).
This project is dedicated to busy, growing cities like ours that need practical, scalable, and sustainable hygiene solutions. By blending design, science, and social awareness, we hope to change the way people think about urban cleanliness.

Why This Problem Matters to Me:
I deal with this problem every day as I walk through streets where odors and stains have become normal. I believe our cities should be clean and dignified, and I am convinced that practical, low-cost solutions can fix this. Solving this issue is not only about hygiene, but also about bringing pride back to our public spaces. Cleaner, fresher roads would make daily life better for everyone.

Technical Details:

  1. Absorbent Pads/Panels – Designed with cellulose, activated carbon, and odor-neutralizing agents, these pads quickly absorb urine, trap odors, and prevent stains.

  2. Easy Replacement Model – Low-cost, replaceable cartridges that sanitation workers can swap weekly.

  3. Sponsorship Model – Pads and panels can feature ads or CSR branding to fund maintenance and reduce costs for municipalities.

  4. Pilot Plan – Start with 10–15 hotspots, measure odor reduction and public feedback, then scale across wards and cities.

Conclusion:

Our solution provides a practical, low-cost, and scalable way to keep public spaces clean and odor-free. By combining absorbent technology with easy maintenance, we can improve urban hygiene, enhance dignity in public areas, and make city life better for everyone.

 
Votes: 21
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Comments

  • Great one Shrika! This startup offers a practical and innovative solution to the persistent problem of public urination in Indian cities. By installing absorbent, odor-neutralizing pads and panels at strategic hotspots, it tackles hygiene issues without the need for costly infrastructure. These low-cost, replaceable solutions not only keep streets fresh and reduce odors but also encourage cleaner public spaces. The approach is scalable and sustainable, aiming to transform urban cleanliness through design, science, and social awareness.
  • This startup shows real promise: by using absorbent, odor-neutralizing pads panels in hotspots, it offers a low-cost, easy-to-maintain way to reduce smells, stains, and public urination without needing expensive toilets everywhere. With a pilot in key areas and regular feedback, this could shift behaviour, uplift public dignity, and make our streets feel cleaner every day.
  • This is a practical and innovative approach that tackles a long-standing urban hygiene problem in a low-cost, scalable way. To strengthen it further, it’s important to clarify how public adoption will be achieved, how misuse will be prevented, and to give early evidence of effectiveness through prototypes or data. Below is an expanded version integrating these elements.
  • This is an innovative solution to a stubborn urban challenge—and the low-cost model is especially promising. For the pilot, you’ll need to solve durability issues: exposure to weather, street animals, and vandalism. Also plan for frequent replacements at scale, and pay attention to how the pads themselves are disposed of or recycled. Still, this is a fantastic start with real potential to improve our everyday urban environment.
  • Walls have become the public restrooms of our cities—and while it’s a clever workaround, will people respect a pad more than a painted saint? What’s to stop someone from just moving a few feet over? It feels like damage control, not genuine sanitation reform. Still, it’s better than relying on slogans and shame boards.
  • This proposal tackles a persistent urban hygiene issue with a cost-effective, scalable solution that combines material science and behavioral insights. The absorbent pads with odor control proactively address the problem, while the maintenance ease and sponsorship model ensure practical implementation. However, how will you address potential misuse, such as intentional soiling, and ensure residents don’t view these panels as a substitute for more permanent, dignified toilet facilities?
  • A smart, socially aware solution that balances technology and practicality for cleaner cities. The idea’s low-cost and sponsorship model make it scalable and community-friendly. It would be great to add a brief cost comparison with traditional public toilets to highlight its economic advantage.
  • his is a thoughtful and practical idea that tackles a persistent urban issue with creativity and affordability. The absorbent pad concept is simple yet innovative, offering real potential for large-scale impact. You could make it stronger by including how disposal and replacement logistics will be managed sustainably
  • For some reason, walls have become the go-to public restroom in our cities.
    This idea is clever, but will people respect a pad more than they respect a painted god?
    What's to stop them from just shifting a few feet over?
    Feels more like damage control than real sanitation reform.
    That said, at least someone’s trying something beyond slogans and shame boards.
  • This is a smart and practical idea ,it addresses a real hygiene issue with a simple, low-cost, and scalable solution. The absorbent, odor-neutralizing pads show innovative thinking that balances science, design, and social impact. It’s a creative way to make cities cleaner and more dignified without heavy infrastructure.
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