Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Helps a BPL Family in Semhra Village Overcome Open Defecation and Improve Household Hygiene
Published on: September 30, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Access to a household toilet has brought greater cleanliness, safety and dignity to the family of Durga Bai, a resident of Semhra village in Dongargarh development block, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin.
The initiative aims to provide toilet facilities to rural households while creating greater awareness about sanitation and hygienic practices. The construction of individual household toilets has helped rural families move away from open defecation while providing women with greater dignity, safety and a healthier environment.
Family Previously Depended on Open Defecation
Durga Bai’s family, which lives below the poverty line, did not have a toilet at home until some time ago. As a result, family members, particularly women, had to go outside for defecation.
The situation became more difficult during the rainy season and at night. Apart from the inconvenience, open defecation also created concerns related to cleanliness around the house and the risk of diseases.
Toilet Constructed Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin
During a survey conducted in Gram Panchayat Semhra for construction of individual household toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, the Panchayat Secretary informed Durga Bai about the assistance available under the scheme.
She applied to avail the benefits of the scheme. After her application was approved, an individual household toilet was constructed at her home.
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Following completion of the construction, Durga Bai received an incentive amount of ₹12,000.
Improved Cleanliness and Safety at Home
With the availability of a toilet at home, the family has been relieved of the compulsion to practise open defecation. Family members can now use the facility safely and conveniently.
Improved cleanliness around the house has also contributed to a better environment. Awareness about cleanliness and sanitation has increased among the children of the family as well.
“Now We Are Living With Dignity and Security”
Durga Bai said that the absence of a toilet at home had earlier caused considerable difficulties for the family. With the construction of the household toilet, she said, the family has received significant convenience.
She said that she is now able to live with greater dignity and security.
The toilet constructed at Durga Bai’s home has also become a means of spreading awareness about sanitation. Following the family’s benefit from the scheme, other families in the surrounding area have also been encouraged to use toilets and maintain cleanliness.
Durga Bai expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for providing individual household toilet facilities under the Swachh Bharat Mission. She also conveyed her best wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s service journey.
