Mangaluru: City-based Anti-Pollution Drive Foundation (APDF) has initiated its Prati Manege Sauchalaya (PRMS) project by starting the construction of free toilets for 11 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Kadeshwalya Grama Panchayat, Bantwal Taluk.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the first beneficiary’s toilet took place on Monday, May 27, 2024, officiated by Panchayat President Bharathi S. Rao.

Vice President Suresh Kannottu, Panchayat Development Officer Sunil Kumar, office staff Honnappa Poojary, building contractor Kusappa Poojary, APDF project coordinator Geetha Surya, the beneficiary Susheela and laborers were present.

Kadeshwalya Grama Panchayat approached APDF in February 2024, requesting assistance for free toilets for 11 BPL families due to insufficient funds.

In response, APDF secured Rs. 10 lakh in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from Alkraft Thermotechnologies Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, and the Dr PA Ibrahim Foundation, Kozhikode.

With an estimated cost of Rs. 45,000 to 50,000 per toilet, the construction is expected to be completed within two months.

Any remaining funds will support the construction of additional toilets in collaboration with other Grama Panchayats.

100 Toilets Project

This initiative is part of APDF’s Prati Manege Sauchalaya (PRMS) project, launched on March 12, 2019.

With encouraging support from donors, free toilets were built and handed over to 11 families across the district during the year.

APDF now plans to work with various Grama Panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district to build toilets for 100 BPL families by the end of the current financial year (March 31, 2025).

Despite Dakshina Kannada being officially declared an Open Defecation Free (ODF) district, several small pockets still lack proper sanitation.

APDF aims to collaborate closely with Gram Panchayats and local government bodies to provide toilets to these families.

“Toilets are a basic necessity for every family, ensuring dignity and hygiene, especially for women and children. We seek the support of generous sponsors to reach our target of 100 beneficiary families within one year,” says Abdullah A. Rehman, Founder and CEO of APDF.

Appeal for Support

APDF invites individuals, organizations, and corporate bodies to fund this noble cause and make a meaningful impact on the lives of BPL families in Dakshina Kannada district. Interested sponsors may call 9740000008 or email [email protected]