A recent survey by a team of 65 students from Roda Mistry College of Social Work and Research Centre reveals the glaring gap between the number of houses and toilets at Mahammadnagar, Kannaran and seven other tandas under Mahammadnagar gram panchayat limits.
The survey was conducted as part of their curriculum in association with CARPED, an NGO based in Sangareddy. The data collected by the students shows that in Mahammadnagar panchayat, there are 350 families and only 32 toilets, while in Kannaram, for 200 families there are only about 18 toilets. Sheri tanda has 67 houses and only six toilets, Korra tanda has 28 houses but six toilets and Gate tanda has 67 houses and only two toilets. “Most of the tribals are not using the toilets though they have been constructed by the government owing to lack of water and awareness among them on using a toilet. We need to create awareness among them in this regard. At some places, toilets are being used as storerooms,” Sravanthi, one of the students who was part of the survey, told The Hindu . On the other hand, there are villagers who are not aware of the fact that funds would be sanctioned by the government to construct toilets. Bujjamma, who lives in a thatched hut at Gate tanda in Kowdipally mandal, says she is neither aware of the government scheme, nor knows how to use a toilet. When asked about having a toilet for her own family, she said, “We cannot afford to build a toilet on our own. But if the government extends us financial support, I am ready to use it.” The students also found a bathroom without a roof that was left unused for several months, with creepers covering the entire structure, speaking of lack of follow-up action by the local leaders.
