SDMC to penalise people who defecate in the open

In a bid to prevent open defecation, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has asked its health and sanitation officials to catch and fine violators with Rs 50 on the spot.

The move is in accordance with Supreme Court's order (in 2000) to recover charges from persons affecting sanitation and public health. "The corporation has been making all efforts to prevent open defecation but still a lot of people defecate in open spaces. This time we are going to take strong action against the violators," a senior SDMC official said. He added that the corporation will rope in several NGOs to create awareness among people.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Union Ministry of Urban Development, in collaboration of the SDMC, launched Swachh Shauchalaya Campaign in a bid to create awareness among people. The main objective of the campaign is to generate a sense of responsibility among common people in order to ensure that public toilets are treated similar to how one would treat one's toilets at homes — clean and well-maintained. It was launched by cricketer Suresh Raina who is one of the Brand Ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Also, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has declared 90 wards open defecation free during the campaign launch. "We are planning to construct nine community toilet complexes in our remaining 14 wards including Bawana and Narela," a senior NDMC official said.