Though awareness is being created across the State on the ill-effects of open defecation, Halagur in Hassan district seems to be totally neglecting the issue.
Students of a government school in Halagur, who have to at least be provided with basic amenities if not latest technology, have no other option but to use the playground to attend the nature’s call.
It is not just the school. There are no public toilets anywhere in Halagur, and people are forced to relieve themselves near government schools, playgrounds, auto stands, district hospital premises and other public places, which is posing threat to health.
The population of Halagur is said to be more than 20,000. But, there is a steady stream of traffic passing via Halagur to Bangalore, Mysore, Channapatna, Kollegal and other places.
The vehicle users usually take a break at Halagur for breakfast, lunch and other reasons. Hundreds of vehicles usually stop here every day.
Institutions
There are more than ten educational institutions including Government First Grade college with thousands of students attending schools and colleges. But, majority of the educational institutions do not have toilet facility on their premises. Other than a pay and use toilet near KSRTC bus stand on the outskirts, there are no other public toilets.
The broken wall at the government school near Halagur circle on National Highway 209 has turned into a open toilet, with people relieving themselves on the spot.
Similarly, playground at Government First Grade college, a spot near the police station, behind government hospital and other places emanate stench due to open defecation.Road widening
A dilapidated toilet was repaired during the road widening, but, no steps were taken for the construction of new toilets. Several memoranda submitted to the gram panchayat officials have fallen on deaf ears. Elected representatives too have completely ignored the problem, complain the locals.
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