Implement sanitation programme in Mayapuram

Erode:Sewage water stagnates in front of houses at Mayapuram in Erode district.The residents of Mayapuram in Suriamapalayam panchayat are using public places as toilet. They appealed to the district administration to extend the Total Sanitation Programme to their area.About 250 people, mostly Dalits, live in Mayapuram (ward 4). They are suffering due to lack of proper drainage and public toilet facilities in the area. One of the residents Chinnan told ‘The Hindu’ on Saturday, “I along with my family and brother’s family is residing in Mayapuram for the past 15 years. I and my brother go for work by 8 a.m. and return only by 8 p.m. There is no toilet facility in the area and in each house, a small portion is converted as toilet. But it is quite insufficient and foul smell pervades the area. Most of the children are using Bhavani main road as toilet.”

Some others said, “We have been requesting the panchayat to build at least two public toilets in the area for the benefit of the women. But nothing has happened.”They said if possible, individual toilets may be built in the area or a sanitary mart (complex) with bathing facility may be constructed.Since the area lacks proper drainage facilities, sewage water stagnates on the roadsides, which have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The residents said that a panchayat well existed in Mayapuram but water was not being supplied to the residents.Hence, water has become contaminated. The residents urged the local body officials to clean the well and pump water.There is no borewell in Mayapuram, but Cauvery water is being supplied on alternate days.