Halla Bol Lungi Khol Campaign: Ranchi Municipal Corporation Takes Away Lungis of Those Defecating in The Open

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation aims to make the city open defecation free by September 30.

Ranchi, Sept 25: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has taken it upon itself to make the city open defecation free by September 30. Beginning the ‘Halla Bol Lungi Khol’ campaign, the RMC personnel on Sunday forcibly took away the robes (lungis) of men who were found defecating in the open. They were given their lungis back after they pledged to never defecate in the open again. The RMC also imposed a fine of Rs 100 on those defecating in the open on Sunday.

RMC city manager Shashi Prakash as quoted by Times of India said that the drive was aimed at showing people how embarrassing defecating in the open could be. He added that many of those who were caught even had toilets at their homes and were, therefore, made to pledge that they won’t defecate in the open.

Meanwhile, the RMC has also decided to plant saplings at identified open defecation spots. Reports say that saplings of plants with relisgious significance, like peepal tree etc, will be planted in bulk by the RMC officials at at least 40 identified open defecation spots around the city.

The RMC has warned that if people continue to defecate in the open, they may have to face more embarrassment in the coming days. It says that funds have been allocated under Swachh Bharat Mission to construct toilets and many toilets have been constructed. Therefore, people should no more be defecating in the open.