June 10th 2024.
The city of Rourkela had previously been certified as open defecation free by the Rourkela Municipal Corporation. However, recent sources have revealed that the MC has lost its ODF++ status. In 2018, the RMC had received the ODF+ certification and two years later, they were granted the ODF++ certification. This was a result of the combined efforts of the RMC and Rourkela Smart City Limited, which saw the construction of 65 public and community toilets in locations such as bus stands, local markets, and slums.
Unfortunately, it seems that most of these new toilets are currently not functioning properly. During a recent visit to Wards No 3, 6, 11, and 13, it became clear why the ODF++ certification was cancelled. These wards have a high concentration of slums and many of the residents work as daily wage laborers. For them, the only option for relieving themselves is to do so in the open, as the public toilets are not properly maintained.
Initially, the responsibility of maintaining these newly-constructed toilets was given to self-help groups. However, they have failed to do so effectively. The toilets are often left uncleaned and many of them do not have essential facilities such as water taps or electricity. This has left the slum dwellers with no choice but to continue defecating in the open.
Efforts to reach ADM Rourkela and Commissioner of RMC Ashutosh Kulkarni were unsuccessful as they did not answer calls or respond to messages. The city has already fallen in the rankings of the Swachh Survekshan survey in 2023 and is currently the fifth cleanest city in Odisha. If immediate action is not taken, Rourkela may continue to slip down the ladder of cleanliness.
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