State government plans to implement a network of toilets for both men and women, and do away with open defecation
Like the ubiquitous STD booths that once dotted the state in the pre-cell phone era, Maharashtra may soon get a network of ladies and gents toilets at designated distances to allow people to relieve themselves with dignity and do away with open defecation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government would implement the plan replicating the sanitation model laid down by Sulabh International. Actor Akshay Kumar, who shared the dais with Fadnavis at the 'Transform Maharashtra' event on Monday too supported the idea.
"In our country, we used to have STD booths when there were no mobile phones," noted Kumar, stressing that male and female toilets could be set up within a proximity of 1 km like these STD and ISD booths which had been well established once upon a time.
He suggested that ex-teachers or ex-servicemen could take care of these structures. Kumar also sought that an app be launched to enable people to locate the nearest toilet. "I feel it is a very good suggestion, we will surely implement it. Sulabh has given us a good model, we can replicate it," said Fadnavis, pointing out that such toilets were found at regular distances abroad and levied charges.
"Surely, we can geo-tag the toilets and bring them on the app. Anyone in need will be able to locate the nearest one," added Fadnavis.
Earlier, Kumar had pointed the hardships faced by women who had to defecate in the open. Kumar added that open defecation led to bacterial contamination and widespread diseases. Being the film star he is, he said, "Agar Bibi chahiye to ghar mein sandas chahiye," (If you want a wife, get a toilet at home) from his forthcoming movie Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
ANALYSIS
Enabling access to toilets will ensure that Maharashtra meets its ambitious target of becoming open defecation free (ODF) by October 2, 2017. This will also bring down instances of communicable diseases and urinary tract and anorectal problems faced by women who lack proper access to sanitation facilities.
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