Despite ODF status from Centre, locals continue to answer nature's call in open

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has declared urban areas in state ‘Open Defecation Free (ODF)’, but it has not taken responsibility for Mumbai, as the Centre had already validated its ODF status.

However, the catch is that the urban areas are being declared ODF as per the state’s definition: if their residents have access to toilets. On the ground, one can plainly see that the problem of open defecation is still rampant.

Supriya Sonar, an activist with the Right to Pee movement, said she strongly opposed the government’s claim. “People are still defecating in the open. There are multiple reasons for this, including poor civic amenities. The government should focus on the ground reality.”

Meanwhile, Manisha Mhaiskar, an official, said, “Urban Maharashtra includes Mumbai. But the city has been already validated as ODF by the Centre.”

The urban development department had declared 100 cities ODF and has encouraged people to build toilets in their homes. Activists working for conservancy workers have slammed Mumbai’s ODF status. “The criteria are wrong. Having toilet should not be the criterion. Cleaning of toilets and making people aware about toilets in their areas, among other issues, should be the criteria,” said Milind Ranade, an activist.