Stench of human faeces envelopes the fresh air of what once was a green lung of Ranchi known among morning walkers for its invigorating environment. And the ones responsible for this repulsive stink are none other than aspirants for Indian Army, who have flocked the Morhabadi Ground for the ongoing Army Recruitment Rally.
With its beginning on Wednesday, more than 5,000 applicants from various districts of the State gathered at Morhabadi Ground. Several eateries offering them nourishing food have popped up at both sides of the roads running parallel to the ground. But what happens when they have to pinch a loaf.
Apparently, they head to the far-end of Dada-Dadi Park. As one follows the pathway in the park, used by morning walkers, it becomes difficult to keep your hand from covering one’s nose as they soon ungodly reek. The stench is soon accentuated by several visible answers to the ‘nature’s call’.
Amidst all this stinking action, the bright red-and-yellow-painted public lavatory and bathroom, barely 500 meters from the park, seems a little left-out. So are the temporary toilets raised by the authorities.
“More than 200 boys have used our bathrooms and toilets during the first day of the recruitment drive, but this number is inconsequential to that which is still defecating in the open. We ask them to maintain the sanctity of the fresh environment here. Sometimes they listen, often they don’t,” said Jitendra Jha, keeper of the public lavatory near the ground.
But this is not the only place to relieve oneself, if the need arises. Arrangements have been made by the army authorities as well as the district administration in preparedness for the arriving applicants, officials said.
“As the recruitment rally is being organised at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, we cleaned the toilets there and also erected several temporary toilets there, and even made arrangements for water supply. But these preparations mean nothing if there is a widespread lack of civic sense. I will look into the matter though,” said Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar.
“We are cleaning the area under our regular routine. But only after the rally ends will we be able to properly and completely clear the area of human faecal matter,” said Mayor Asha lakra.
local urban bodies assured that they will be doing their best to contain any diseases that may result due to the unhygienic conditions.
“Preventive measures can be taken so that diseases resulting from unhygienic conditions do not break out. We will dust the area with bleaching powder and lime so as to prevent parasite-borne diseases and those resulting from insanitary surroundings,” said RMC Health Officer Ajay Kumar Manjhi.
Similar stink rose from the Morhabadi Ground when around 15 thousand para teachers gathered here to demand a permanent job status. “During those four days, para teachers could be seen pooping in the open like it was an open loo. It was uncomfortable to see them like that,” said Jitendra.