Ara (Bhojpur), July 31: Questions have been raised over the implementation of rural sanitation schemes in Bihar’s Bhojpur district after a waste processing unit built at a cost of ₹31.74 lakh in Gopalpur Panchayat under Koilwar block was found lying closed, while door-to-door garbage collection has remained suspended for months.
The non-functional waste processing unit has left villagers grappling with accumulated garbage, prompting concerns over public health and the possible spread of infectious diseases. Residents have also questioned the utilisation of public funds and the execution of sanitation infrastructure under the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Lohia Swachh Bihar Abhiyan Phase-II.
A ground inspection reportedly found the waste processing unit locked and non-operational despite the expenditure incurred on the project. Community dustbins, which were to be installed by the Panchayat for waste collection, were missing from most locations.
The inspection further revealed that several community soak pits remained unused, while sewage water continued to flow along village roads, highlighting gaps in sanitation management. In addition, the 28 designated waste outlet points were not clearly visible on the ground, raising further doubts over the implementation of the project.
Residents alleged that despite significant public expenditure, essential sanitation services have failed to function as intended. “Despite spending ₹31.74 lakh, the waste processing unit remains closed and garbage collection has been stalled for months,” villagers said, expressing concern over the deteriorating sanitation conditions.
Locals also warned that the accumulation of waste and stagnant sewage could lead to the outbreak of infectious diseases if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
The situation has cast a shadow over the effectiveness of flagship cleanliness programmes in the panchayat, with villagers urging the authorities to restore garbage collection, operationalise the waste processing unit and ensure proper implementation of sanitation infrastructure at the earliest.
