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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: 13
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Comments

  • Absorbent pads are creative, but challenges may arise with maintenance, scale, and public perception. Proving effectiveness through pilots will be crucial.Don’t you think?
  • This is a practical and innovative approach that addresses a persistent urban hygiene problem in a low-cost, scalable way. To strengthen it, you could clarify how you’ll ensure public adoption and prevent misuse, and provide initial data or prototypes to show effectiveness.
  • This proposal addresses a deeply entrenched urban hygiene issue with a thoughtful, cost-effective, and scalable approach that leverages both material science and social behavior insights. The use of absorbent pads with odor control tackles the problem proactively, while the ease of maintenance and sponsorship model make practical implementation feasible. However, how do you plan to address potential misuse, such as people intentionally soiling these panels, or ensure that residents don’t perceive them as excuses for the city to avoid building more permanent, dignified toilet facilities?
  • This is a really innovative approach to a tough urban problem, and the low-cost model is very compelling. As you plan the pilot, a key challenge to solve will be the durability of the pads against weather, street animals, and potential vandalism. Thinking about the logistics of frequent replacement at scale and the environmental impact of disposal will also be crucial. This is a fantastic start with real potential to improve our daily environment.
  • This is an innovative and practical idea that addresses a very real urban hygiene issue. one of the best way to keep public places clean.
  • This is a brilliantly pragmatic solution to a persistent urban problem. Its greatest strength is that it doesn't try to solve the root cause of behavior, but instead offers an immediate and low-cost way to manage the symptoms of odor and hygiene.
  • Smart and practical idea. Much needed for cleaner, more dignified cities.
  • Sometimes the most impactful solutions are the simplest. This idea of using absorbent pads is an incredibly elegant answer to a messy and persistent problem. It's easy to overlook just how complex the problem of urban sanitation is, but you've managed to make it seem solvable.
  • Really interesting idea, Shrika! Low-cost absorbent panels with odor-neutralizing agents sound like a practical way to address urban hygiene where toilets aren't feasible. The sponsorship model for funding maintenance is also very smart-this could actually scale well in busy cities
  • This is a good, low-cost way to tackle a messy problem cities have long struggled with. The key challenge will be making sure the pads are replaced on time—maybe a small trail with municipal teams or sponsors could test how practical that is.
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