Swachh scheme a distant dream for Purnachandrapur area

Ward 15 in Purnachandrapur lacks supply of drinking water and electricity.

BARIPADA: While much has been said about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, it seems to not have been turned into a viable multi-faceted programme from a mere slogan here.Besides cleanliness issues, Ward No. 15 in Purnachandrapur area under Baripada Municipality has been plagued by several other civic problems.

Poor drainage system in a ward in Baripada
Poor drainage system in a ward in Baripada

Surprisingly, the area, barely one and a half kilometres from the Municipality office, lacks the supply of safe drinking water and electricity, proper drainage system and sanitation facilities.
With a population of about 4,500 voters, the area is home to poor families who earn their living as daily wage labourers or by selling bamboo handicrafts and furniture.

In the absence of public toilets or proper sanitation facilities, residents opt for open defecation.
“Although we feel bad about it, we are compelled to use open lands to relieve ourselves. We have approached the concerned authorities to build toilets here under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. But, our words have fallen on deaf ears,” claimed Lalmohan Telenga, a resident of the area.
“Women are also forced to look for pits as there are no personal toilets in the houses here,” claimed Maheswar Bag, another resident.

Water crisis and lack of electricity have added to the woes of the residents.“There is no supply of electricity to the houses here. Some families go for hooking to bring electricity to their houses illegally,” claimed Hardibandhu Bag, another resident.
“I have often seen that the staffer from Municipality inspects our area and notes down the problems. But, they never do anything to end our miseries. Even, the councillor never visits the area after winning civic polls,” alleged Liton Mohapatra, a local.

However, the Executive Officer of the Municiaplity, Subhashish Mansingh, refuted the allegations.
“Three families in the area have toilets. We are in the process of providing toilets to each family. We have visited the ward recently to enquire about the problems,” Mansingh added.

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