Central team in Sirsa to assess ODF status for urban areas

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 4

Deputy Commissioner Sharandeep Kaur Brar today said a 4-member team of the Quality Council of India was in Sirsa to ascertain the district administration’s claims that all urban areas were open defecation free.

She said, “The team has already visited Kalanwali, Rania and Ellenabad town. After checking situation in Sirsa, the team will proceed to Dabwali.” The DC said the rural areas of the district achieved ODF status through Community Led Total Sanitation.

The DC said, “Most people inhabiting slums in the city are migrants. They construct make-shift structures and live in a minimalistic manner. It was very difficult to integrate them with the program.”

Sirsa SDM Paramjit Singh Chahal said, “Toilets were constructed at places with did not have the facility. Mobile toilets were ordered and placed at prime locations. These toilets were also connected to the sewage lines so that emptying of tanks is not an issue. It was ensured that water supply is present so that functionality is not restrained. These were also constructed in slum areas.”

He said labourers could use Sulabh Shauchalayas in the grain market, the utility fees for which would be charged from the market committee.

“Once toilet construction was complete, banners were put all across the city to ensure that people understand the problems associated with open defecation. At this stage, we have made teams of 5-6 officers in every pocket, who monitoring use of toilets. These officers also engage in conversation with people to make them aware about the benefits of the programme,” Chahal said.