In Niladunguri Village, nestled in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, Saraswati Bhoi stands as a beacon of change. As a Master Bookkeeper, she had always been an integral part of her community, which enabled her to foresee the need for upgraded sanitation systems, propelling Niladunguri on its ODF+ journey.

While the village had a high toilet coverage, the toilets were predominantly connected to a single-pit containment system. These toilets, prone to overflowing, threatened the community's health and created a dilemma for households. Once filled, the pits required desludging, followed by a dormant period of six months to a year to produce fully decomposed manure. During this time, households without a secondary toilet had no choice but to resort to open defecation.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Saraswati rallied her Self-Help Group (SHG) members and engaged with Community Resource Persons (CRPs). She highlighted the dangers of single-pit toilets and advocated for retrofitting them with twin-pits, a solution that would prevent overflows and eliminate the need for long dormancy periods. Her persuasive efforts garnered support from key stakeholders, and she then took her mission to the Gram Panchayat.

At a pivotal Gram Sabha meeting, Saraswati inspired the community to take a collective pledge for 100% toilet coverage and retrofitting of existing toilets. This commitment led to the formation of the Nigrani Samiti, a dedicated team tasked with discouraging open defecation and promoting safe sanitation practices. The Samiti, under Saraswati's guidance, focused on building the capacity of SHG members and advocating with the Block administration for the release of WASH loans. These loans facilitated the construction of twin-pit toilets, repairs to make existing toilets usable, and ensured the availability of water facilities.

Through comprehensive surveys, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, periodic cleanliness drives, and regular meetings, the team achieved the monumental goal of 100% toilet retrofitting, covering all 105 households in Niladunguri. This transformation led to a significant reduction in waterborne and airborne diseases, marking a new era of health and hygiene in the village.

The establishment of a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) at a nearby Urban Local Body further ensured the proper treatment of sludge from septic tanks. This development paved the way for Niladunguri to attain ODF+ status, symbolizing the community's commitment to sustained sanitation improvements.

Saraswati Bhoi's relentless efforts and the resulting success story of Niladunguri reverberated across Sambalpur district. Inspired by Saraswati, Nilima Jouda, an SHG member from the neighboring village of Jujumura, initiated similar retrofitting efforts in her community, showcasing the ripple effect of Saraswati's leadership.

Through her unwavering dedication, Saraswati Bhoi not only championed the cause of safe sanitation in Niladunguri but also ignited a movement that continues to inspire neighboring villages, transforming lives and communities along the way.