Betanoti: Even as construction of toilets in many panchayats is still in progress in Batanoti block of Mayurbhanj, the district administration has declared a list of Swachh Panchayats (Open Defecation Free). Several quarters have raised doubts about the Swachh Panchayats. A district level team, which is monitoring the sanitation status of panchayats, has come under the scanner, it was stated.
According to official reports, there are 24 panchayats under the block. Toilet construction has been completed in three panchayats while it is still under way in 21 panchayats.
The district level team has enquired about the condition of sanitation in Purinda panchayats two weeks ago.
People of Purinda panchayat were not happy about the field level survey undertaken by the team on sanitation. They have taken up the issue with the Collector, the executive engineer of the RWSS and the BDO.
Locals have threatened to launch an agitation if the district level team does not maintain transparency during survey about sanitation status.
The survey team had not visited all the households while the survey was underway in the houses when owners were away.
The block administration has got toilets built through the three SHGs and motivators for nearly 100 beneficiaries in Sansa village.
As many as 15 beneficiaries have completed their work six months ago, but they have not been paid their dues and are made to run to the office for bills, it is alleged.
Although most of the toilets built by SHGs and motivators have been abandoned, the block administration has cleared the bills.
The toilet construction work has been mired in irregularities.
Even non-residents in Sansa village have been allotted toilets, alleged the villagers.
Assistant executive engineer of Betanoti block, Sukesmita Nayak denied the allegation of non-transparency in the survey of toilet construction.
The engineer said she was part of the team and touched every household during the survey and she will ensure clearance of bills on receipt of investigation report.
PNN
