In Karnataka over 37 lakh toilets are constructed under the Swatch Bharat mission. Around 18 lakh toilets are to be constructed to declare the state open defecation free. Here is a ground report based on reactions of the beneficiaries of the Swatch Bharat mission in the state.
Karnataka is marching towards achieving open defecation free state status. Prakash from Gundlupet in Chamrajnagar district is one of the beneficiaries of the Swatch Bharat mission. He says that the construction of toilet in his house has brought about hygiene and cleanliness in his village
Prakash says,” I had no toilet. Central Government gave me 12000 rupees to build the toilet. I have constructed the toilet too. This has helped achieve open defecation free and clean India. My family is now using the toilet and do not go out in open for defecation. I thank the Prime Minister for this programme.”
Meghana Velapi in a village of Chickballapur district has said that girls of her village are saved from embarrassment of going out in the open for defecation after construction of the toilet.
Meghana Velapi says, “Swatch Bharat Mission of Central Government has helped me construct the toilet. I have benefitted from the programme. Girls in our village were forced to go out for defecation. This resulted in shame and embarrassment. This was also created filthy surroundings in our Village. Diseases were also spreading due to this unhygienic habit. Now because of the toilets in the village, everyone has benefitted.”
Ravi Kumar , a villager in Chickballapur district in Karnataka says that his village has become a role model for others to emulate after building of toilets.
Ravi Kumar says, “Swatch Bharath mission provided 12000 rupees to build toilet. This has helped me a lot. Without toilet, we were forced to go in open for defecation. This was embarrassing and causing difficulties. Today our village is a role model in the Taluk after the construction of toilets. I thank swatch Bharath mission for improving our lifestyle.
Shekara from Doddalballapur taluk is a beneficiary of Swatch Bharat mission. He says that all the difficulties that the villagers faced in going out for defecation is resolved now.
He said,” I am a beneficiary of swatch Bharath Mission. On previous occasions I had to go out for defecation in the open. We had to look for deserted agricultural fields. Women folk too had to go out in open. Swatch Bharath mission has helped build toilet. Today we are neat and going to toilet without any difficultly. We are trying to create awareness and let people realise its importance.”
