‘Name & shame’ drive by P’kula MC to check open defecation

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, January 21

To deal with problem of open defecation in Panchkula, the Municipal Corporation has come out with an idea to “name and shame” those who still go for open defecation in Panchkula.

MC Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal said they would now put names of violators on the website of the Municipal Commissioner. “The MC will also give names of the people, who still go for open defecation in Panchkula, to all the residents’ welfare associations,” he said.

The MC had already issued 121 challans of Rs 500 each to people who still went for open defecation, he added.

Notably, the MC had declared Panchkula open defecation-free (ODF) last year but despite its claim, people still go for open defecation. The problem of open defection is rampant in Gandhi Colony in Panchkula, Kalka and Pinjore.

To deal with problem, the MC will soon put up 11 mobile toilets in the colonies where people are demanding more such toilets.

Earlier, the MC made a provision of 64 public, 42 community and 29 mobile toilets. At many places, single seat toilets have been provided. All public and community toilets are being provided with a feedback device for users, which will directly send the information to the MC so that corrective action can be taken on such feedback.

Campaign against littering in the open 

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation has started issuing challans for littering in the open. The MC on Sunday issued 11 challans of Rs 500 each. MC Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal said they had formed 21 teams of MC officials, who were checking open defecation and littering. The fine amount for littering can go up to Rs 2,000 for commercial violators.