Sagli Hembrom lives in a joint family with her husband Laxmiram Murmu, his brother and sister-in-law, and their daughter and son. Chalonder village in Gazole block is where they reside. The family for ages practiced open defecation, Open Defecation is a habit—a deeply entrenched, centuries- old way of life in rural India. Economic condition of the family also worsened during the pandemic and so Laxmiram Murmu tried his best to make both ends meet. Stomach ailments are common for families and often trigger a visit to the local doctor for treatment. A lot of those who want to be treated go and pay for medicines. During ERDS organized meeting we spoke about open defecation and its relation to stomach disorders and also loss of dignity for the women living in the village. Open defecation has become increasingly difficult during the summers, winters and rainy seasons. Sagli have been regular to meetings, awareness camps, etc and decided to change their existing situation. However, their economic situation is preventing them from getting their own toilet. Upon receiving Sagli's request for a model toilet ERDS in a meeting last month, it was decided to construct a toilet and participants in the meeting unanimously agreed.
The construction of the toilet appeared to be turning point for the family. A new ray of hope and freedom from stomach disorders thereby saving of family expenses. Moreover owing to family dispute Mongli Hembrom and her son Rahul who is abandoned by her husband stays with the Sagli’s family in their joint ancestral house. 6 people in the family is using the toilet regularly. Elated Sagli thanked ERDS for all help to get out of this vicious cycle of stomach ailments due to open defecation practice.