Sambalpur: Public Toilets in Disarray; Overwhelming Stench, SMC Shifts All Responsibility to Contractor

Lack of Clean Public Toilets in the City

Sambalpur: Sambalpur city does not have a single proper public toilet within its limits. The few that exist are located on the outskirts and are in poor condition. Most importantly, no one is paying attention to cleanliness. Because these toilets are not cleaned regularly, they emit a strong foul smell. As a result, people are forced to cover their noses while using them.

Poor Sanitation Despite Grand Plans

Even though the municipal corporation is planning large-scale sanitation improvements before the upcoming Sheetal Sasthi festival, the condition of most public toilets in Sambalpur is still very bad.

Many Toilets Built, But Maintenance Lacking

The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) had built a total of 83 community toilets in Sambalpur, Hirakud, and Burla. Most of these are now operational. Besides, 10 “Akashing” model toilets were also planned, out of which 3 have been completed.

Private Contractors Failing at Upkeep

After construction, the city handed over maintenance responsibilities to private contractors. These contractors have placed just one staff member at each toilet, who is expected to manage both cleaning and other duties. However, there is no dedicated cleaning staff, nor are proper cleaning tools like brushes or cleaning agents supplied. So, cleaning is only done in a half-hearted manner.

Toilet Feedback Machines Not Working

Each toilet was supposed to have a feedback machine installed by the SMC. These machines allowed users to rate the toilet conditions. But now, most of these machines are non-functional.

No Supervision from Officials

Officials from the sanitation department rarely visit the toilets for inspections. Areas like Kacheri Chowk, Sushari Ghat (Ring Road), Parshuram Bhawan, and Samaleswari Ghat all have public toilets that are in a very poor condition.

Only Three Mobile Toilets Functional

Currently, only three mobile toilets are working in the city. With the Sheetal Sasthi festival approaching, both the district and municipal authorities are preparing in full swing. They are focusing on repairing roads, improving lighting, ensuring law and order, and managing sanitation.

Huge Influx of Devotees Expected

Lakhs of devotees from within and outside Odisha are expected to gather for the festival. However, despite this, the authorities have done little more than handing over the toilet system to private agencies and completing paperwork.

Public Demand for Immediate Action

There is a growing demand from the public for the administration to take proper action and ensure clean, well-maintained toilets before the festival.

SMC Promises to Improve Conditions

Sarojini Kulu, Additional Commissioner of SMC, said that most of the toilets are functional. She added that all three mobile toilets will be deployed at central locations during Sheetal Sasthi, and more toilet arrangements will be made as needed.