Lack of toilets forces labourers to defecate in open

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 19

Over 200 labourers have arrived to the grain markets in the district for the crop procurement season, but due to lack of toilets there they are forced to defecate in open.

A visit to the Daun Kalan grain market by The Tribune revealed that the labourers are defecating openly along a drain near the market as the permanent toilets there are lying defunct and a single makeshift one is not enough.

Though the district was declared open defecation free, last year, the rural grain markets have a different story to tell.

Labourers claim that they threatened of serious consequences by the local farmers if they defecated in their paddy fields, therefore, they resorted to relieve along the drain. Another labourer, Babu Ram said, “We are facing a lot of problems as the temporary open toilet is of no use as there is no water facility there. Moreover, it is already choked.”

Notably, the situation remained the same at Bahadurgarh, Seal, Mehmadpur, Sultanpur and other rural grain markets of the district.

Hari Singh, former sarpanch of the Duan Kalan village, said, “The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has gone for a toss here at the countryside. The mandi board has failed to provide even basic amenities at rural grain markets. ”

Ravinder Arora, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Patiala, said, “I will immediately ask the officials concerned to look into the matter and take necessary steps to provide the facilities to the labourers.” 

Patiala Deputy Commissioner, Kumar Amit said he will ask the district mandi officer to look into the matter. 

District was declared ODF in 2018

Though the district was declared open defecation free, last year, the rural grain markets have a different story to tell

Labourers at the Daun Kalan grain market are defecating openly along a drain near the market as the permanent toilets there are lying defunct and a single makeshift one is not enough