Chamarajanagara: The district is still identified as one of the backward districts of the State, both socially and economically. One of the persisting problem that affects cleanliness and hygienic environment of the district is the problem of open defecation in many parts of the district.
It can be noted here that the district was declared free from open defecation in the year 2018 itself. But lack of basic infrastructure causing open defecation threatening to affect the overall hygiene of the district.
In most villages and towns of the district, it is a common scene to witness the villagers using open spaces beside lakes, and canals among others for defecating stating that there is no community toilets. After the Union Government launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyan through out the nation, the district too witnessed much progress. The officials constructed 78000 personal toilets in 2018-19, which is a record in itself.
According to Zilla Panchayat (ZP) officials, they have constructed 1.63 lakh toilets in the district since last 5 years, and that this year they have planned to construct 1869 toilets.
Under the government scheme, the people get Rs. 12000 subsidy for the construction of toilet, and the subsidy amount is at Rs. 15000 if toilets are constructed for SC/ST community members.
Poor people facing shortage of space to construct toilets are dependent upon public toilets. But 9 public toilets are still unavailable for use due to lack of maintenance.
Nanjunda Swamy, a villager in Hosamole Village in Chamarajanagara Taluk said that the officials should speed up releasing of subsidy amount. Poor are hesitant to come forward and get toilets constructed. He said officials should conduct door-to-door survey and identify toilet less houses and create awareness among people.
Another villager Rajesh, a native of Hangala village in Gundlupete Taluk said that many gram panchayats could not supply sufficient water, and therefore, villagers are going in for open defecation despite having toilets.
ZP Chief Executive Officer K. M. Gayathri said it has come to her notice that five public toilets in Chamarajanagara town is yet to be open for public. In Hanur, the construction of 30 toilets is under progress, she added.
