To tighten sanitation measures, the Odisha government has declared that the use of the public, community, and hybrid toilets in urban areas will be free of cost until August 31. A letter on the same was issued to all the Urban Local Bodies by the Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, G Mathivathanan. The letter also stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene standards.
As per the order, the maintenance cost of the toilet complexes might be appropriately and reasonably compensated by the Urban Local Bodies (ULB). Currently, the agencies are charging around Rs. 2 to Rs. 10 for maintaining the facilities. The exchange of small denominations in this process would thus be eliminated.
The government has also said that agencies not complying with the order will be replaced by self-help groups, federations, or community interest groups as per the provisions of the Epidemic Act and other Government regulations in force at present. The Corporations, Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NAC) have been asked to check the general toilets and ensure hygiene practices are up to the mark.
The toilets would be given a star-based rating on cleanliness and maintenance. The upgradation will not only help in preventing infection but will also fetch good score for the State in ODF +, ODF++, and other such rankings carried out in the country, the department officials said.