Rourkela: Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Swachh Bharat Mission with much fanfare to achieve universal sanitation coverage, the operation seems to have lost its direction.
Jagannath Ashram, a village with a population of 200, is located at the foothills near Sector-6 here. As the residents used to defecate in the open, two toilets were built to prevent the practice.
However, the toilets are yet to be provided water supply. So, the situation has not changed even as the village comes under the programme. People still continue to go for open defecation. Though they have met the officials for water connection, their pleas are yet to be heeded, alleged the villagers.
“Earlier we used to attend the nature’s call at open spaces. Though two toilets were installed under the Swachh Bharat Mission, they are lying unused without water connection,” said Dayanidhi Meher.
According to reports, government launched a campaign to make people aware of the benefits of having toilets in their houses. People also took oath not to go for open defecation to maintain cleanliness. However, the two toilets set up under Swachh Mission are of no use since they don’t have water connection, said Ranga Rout of the village.
Sita Mallik, a woman of the village said the men don’t face any problem as they can relieve themselves anywhere. However, it is a problem for young girls and women, she added. Another villager Sadanand Meher said the Modi government’s Swachh Bharat Mission is only a publicity stunt and doesn’t serve any purpose.
Dr Gyanaranjan Giri, a physician of local dispensary, said people continue to relieve themselves in the open which adds to environmental pollution. The villagers often suffer from various water-borne diseases due to their practice. The government should ensure toilet at every home, the doctor said. PNN
