After transforming Chilakapeta and Relli Veedi areas into open defecation free zones, Chatainya Sravanthi, a voluntary organisation that empowers women and the downtrodden through a number of programmes, is all set to reach out to the residents of Paindorapeta near Coastal Battery and neighbouring areas through its intensive advocacy drive.
With a rally that covered parts of ward No: 22 on Saturday, the campaign is aimed at bringing behavioural change among colony residents, sensitising them on the significance of using toilets and sticking to hygienic practices.
Objective
Terming the need to trigger behavioural change as the key tool to put an end to open defecation, president Chatainya Sravanthi Shirin Rahman said the core objective of the mission was to inculcate a sense of social responsibility in people.
“We have succeeded in bringing a change in the mindset of those residing in Chilakapeta and Relli Veedi to a large extent. As a result, they are not only aware of the impact of leading an unhygienic life but also ensure that their family members avoid stepping out of the home to relieve themselves. This itself is a big achievement that we focus on, adopting neighbourhoods for the purpose,” she said.
Commissioner of Police T. Yoganand, who flagged off the rally, said sensitisation on following healthy practices begins at home. “It is better to form a common network to help curb not just open defecation but also alcoholism and other vices that affect the livelihood of scores of families,” he said.
Former Vice-Chancellors of AU and ANU G.S.N. Raju and V. Balamohandas, secretary of Kirlampudi Layout Residents’ Welfare Association Uday, medical practitioner Kutikuppala Surya Rao, vice-president of Chaitanya Sravanthi J. Vijay Shankar and a large number of residents from various slum areas participated in the rally.
