‘Good morning’ squads to tackle open defecation in Maharashtra

Mumbai city news: Squads will keep an eye on places in Maharashtra where open defecation is prevalent, and ensure locals have access to toilets

The Maharashtra government has decided to form ‘good morning’ squads to monitor and prevent open defecation in villages and districts across the state.

If the team finds people who, despite having access to toilets, relieve themselves in the open, it will impose heavy fines on them. (HT File Photo)

These squads will comprise representatives of local bodies, self-help groups, NGOs, students and social workers working in the area of sanitation and cleanliness.

A government resolution issued on Friday said these squads have been asked to keep an eye on the areas where this practice is prevalent and to ensure that locals have access to toilets there.

They will inform the civic bodies about areas where people are being denied access to toilets. They also have the right to take up issues, such as the pending construction of toilets, with the local civic bodies and help speed up the work.

“If the team finds people who, despite having access to toilets, relieve themselves in the open, it will impose heavy fines on them,” reads the resolution.