Hubballi village gets 176 toilets in 45 days, thanks to her

HUBBALLI: While a GP president's efforts have made a Gadag village free of open defecation, civic apathy has reduced Bengaluru parks to urinals.
She entered the poll fray with only one goal in mind — making Khanapur village free of open defecation. It was not a promise meant to be forgotten. Within 45 days of coming to power, this gritty woman executed it — her village is now home to 176 toilets.
Meet Prema Timmangoudar, the new president of Raddernaganur gram panchayat in Naragund taluk, Gadag district, who can probably teach a thing or two to our elected representatives.Before elections, only 25 of the 200 households in the village had toilets. While this may bring good news to the locals, TO some 450km away, Bengaluru paints a contrasting picture.Public loos in eight parks have been awaiting inauguration for two years.
Prema told TOI: I contested to make our village free of open defecation. I was elected unopposed. I assumed office on July 3 and started work in two days.“
A woman said, "Till now, my daughters and I had to wait till evening to relieve ourselves. We had to walk for at least 1km. Now, we don't have to worry as we have a toilet at home." Before starting the work, Prema met villagers, officials concerned, elected representatives, including the Naragund MLA, and panchayat raj development minister HK Patil, to seek their support. "I initiated the work under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which provides Rs 12,000 subsidy to each villager to build a toilet at home and Rs 15,000 to SCSTs. Aiming to complete work before Independence Day, I approached a Koppal-based company which manufactures readymade parts for toilets, including roof and base ment," she said.
However, Prema soon faced Pa problem. "There was a delay in release of the subsidy amount. Then, I raised Rs 5 lakh from villagers and paid it to the company . The latter provided us materials on the condition that we should clear the dues as early as possible. This project cost Rs 25 lakh," she said.
Prema then roped in youngsters. "I asked them to help in the construction.As a result, 176 toilets were built within 45 days, and inaugurated on Independence Day . "I will return the money to the villagers when I get funds from the government," she added.

For India to become Swachh Bharat, we need more leaders like Prema Timmangoudra, the president of Raddernaganur gram panchayat in Gadag district. By constructing toilets in every house of Khanapur village within 45 days of coming to power, under her own steam, she has shown the way ahead for other people's representatives. Her determined stand puts laggard officials to shame and also exposes politicians who cite lack of funds and resources to avoid taking up such needy projects. BBMP corporators ought to take a leaf out of Prema's book and throw open the toilets they have spent public funds on.