Suchitwa Mission: 5,000 toilets sans running water in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Many of the toilets recently constructed as part of the ODF campaign do not have a connection to running water. This will be one of the first issues that Suchitwa Mission will deal with in its post-ODF activities. The number of toilets without running water is roughly estimated to be 5,000, though ground-level evaluation is yet to be conducted, according to Suchitwa Mission Director (Operations) C.V. Joy. “People have started using the toilets though there is no pipe connection,” he said. In order to ensure this, the Mission will be taking the help of local bodies.

A bigger campaign aiming at attitudinal change is planned, as many are not yet accustomed to using toilets. Mission officials say that such efforts will focus on tribal and coastal areas. “A campaign resembling the literacy mission will start soon. We have identified people who can help impart training to Kudumbashree workers and NREGS workers, so that they can take the campaign from door to door. We have also spoken to various NGOs run by religious organisations, so that their help can be taken,” says Joy.    

The post-ODF campaign will kick off after the ODF declaration on November 1. At present ODF is in the last lap with 221 toilets in Kollam’s Mundrothuruthu and 303 toilets in Idukki’s Edamalakkudi being completed. Edamalakkudi being inside the forest and Mundrothuruthu with its high-water table increases the cost of construction.