Daijiworld Media Network- Chhatisgarh (SHP)

Chhatisgarh, Sep 20: Due to lack of toilets in the region, people of the Basera Khurd village in Chhatisgarh are forced to defecate in the open.

Referring to a similar situation, on July 5 while presenting Union Budget for 2019-20, Union Finance Minister, N Sitharaman stated that India will be made open-defecation free by October 2.

However, people of Basera Khurd village are faced with dire situations where women, widows, young kids and old people are forced to adjust without a clean washroom. Contrary to these complaints, a report by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme claimed that 43 per cent of Indians have access to basic sanitation. The report also alleged that there was a drop in the practice of open defecation by 47 per cent in the country between 2000-2017.

Representational image

One of the locals expressed concern stating that women stepping out to defecate in the open is embarrassing.

In response to the miserable condition, Panchayat CEO, Mahendra Singh claimed that he will seek a quick inquiry and action in the matter.