SANITATION

An Initiative in Rural T ransformation

Byrraju Foundation
Satyam Enclave, 2-74, Jeedimetla Village, NH-7, Hyderabad - 500 055 (AP) INDIA Phone: 91-40-23191725, 23193881 / 82 Fax: 91-40-23191726 Email: mail@byrrajufoundation.org www.byrrajufoundation.org

Table of Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. a) b) c) d) Introduction Utility of the Binder Abbreviations Concepts & Definitions Initiating Village Adoption Process The Foundations role The nodal government agencies to approach Commitment from Government Commitment from Community

6. Approach a. Survey b. Eligibility Criterion c. SWOT Analysis d. ISL Sanction Process e. Disbursement of Funds f. Construction Cost Assessment g. UNICEF-approved Models h. Funding Pattern i. Involvement of Local Community j. Involvement of Mandal/District officials Concerned k. Usage Survey l. Penalty for Open Defecation 7. The future ahead a) Statement of the Problem b) Identifying Beneficiaries 8. Problems 8.1 Location Choice 8.2 Precautions 9. Construction of ISLs 10. Creating Awareness 11. Toilet Models 12. Quick Start Guide 12.1 Initiating the Process 12.2 Leach-pit Technology 12.3 Advantages of Leach-pit Technology 12.4 People Involved

1. Introduction

Emphasising the relative importance, Mahatma Gandhi had once said, "Sanitation is more important than Independence." Today, more than half a century after Independence, India still finds it hard to provide sanitation and clean drinking water to its people. Sanitation plays so important a role in the well-being of a person, that unsanitary surroundings form the base for spread of many a life-threatening disease. According to a Planning

Commission (2003) report, between 400,000 and 500,000 children under the age of five die due to water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, hepatitis and typhoid in India, and there are fears that these numbers are grossly underrepresented. The World Health Organisation (WHO) observes that polluted water is the root cause behind 80 per cent of diseases in our country, a result of poor sanitation and far from adequate sewage disposal methods. Less than 40 per cent of the countrys population has access to proper toilet facilities. This indicates that a majority of them relieve themselves in the open contaminating water bodies and other natural resources. Further, people also need to be educated on the importance of sanitation, because in some places they use the facilities built by the government as store rooms rather than as toilets. (Link: http://www.nposonline.net/water-sanitation.shtml ) The poorer sections of society, especially in rural areas lacking adequate facilities, bear the brunt of inadequate sanitation. Children under the age of 3 are particularly susceptible to diarrhoeal diseases. Older children and adults get infected with intestinal worms, most commonly the human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and the human hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). Occurrence of this disease is generally very high in low-income semi-urban and rural areas. This is why there is an urgent need for sanitation in rural India. Sanitation is the basic infrastructure component that could contain excreta-related diseases. (http://www.efm.leeds.ac.uk/CIVE/Sewerage/manual/pdf/chap1.pdf ) page no.1
Category State No. of Name Districts

Sno.

Households Above Poverty Line (APL) With Without Toilets Toilets Total

Households Below Poverty Line (BPL) Total

Total Households (APL+BPL) Total %age Coverage 35.61

%age With Without Coverage Toilets Toilets

%age With Without Coverage Toilets Toilets

Andhra Pradesh

22 2822930 2845237 5668167

49.80 2002742 5881886 7884628

25.40 4825672 8727123 13552795

About Byrraju Foundation Byrraju Foundation is a not for profit organisation committed to transforming the quality of life of the rural underprivileged. The Foundation seeks to build progressive self-reliant rural communities, with a holistic approach. This is achieved by providing service in all the areas of the villagers lives; namely, Healthcare, Environment and Sanitation, Primary Education and Literacy, and Livelihoods. To achieve this, the Foundation has adopted 200 villages in East 4

Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, Ranga Reddy, Visakhapatnam and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. About 1 million people of these villages are the direct beneficiaries of the Foundations activities. Byrraju Foundation was set up in July 2001 in memory of the Late Byrraju Satyanarayana Raju, Founder of the Satyam group of companies and philanthropist, who held villages close to his heart. The mission of the Foundation is to create a world-class platform for sustainable rural transformation. 2. Utility of the Binder The Binder will be useful for: People engaged in Sanitation Local Government (Panchayat) Grama Vikasa Samithi members NGOs / NPOs Corporate Houses / CSR bodies Donors / Funding agencies 3. Abbreviations ISL: Individual Sanitary Latrine BPL: Below Poverty Line CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility TSC: Total Sanitation Campaign IEC: Information, Education and Communication PRI: Panchayati Raj Institutions CBO: Community Based Organizations CRSP: Central Rural Sanitation Program ARWSP: Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme NGO: Non Governmental Organisation IHHL: Individual House Hold Latrines SSHE: School Sanitation and Hygiene Education CSC: Community Sanitary Complex RSM: Rural Sanitary Mart 4. Concepts and definitions Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP): A cash award, the Puraskar recognises fullycovered PRIs and those individuals and institutions that work towards ensuring full sanitation coverage in their area of operation. The project is being implemented in rural areas taking district as the unit.

5. Initiating village adoption process 5.1 The Foundations role: a) Bridge the gap by bringing the Government and the community together b) Create a team of change agents for promotion of the initiative c) Recognise their services by instituting awards / extending incentives d) Close liaison with the Government officials concerned at all levels. 5.2 The nodal government agencies to approach a. At State level - Chief Engineer, Panchayat Raj b. At District level - The District Collector c. At Mandal level - Mandal Development Officer 5.3 Commitment from Government I.Sanction of projects II.Timely release of funds 5.4 Commitment from Community I.Collection of margin money from beneficiaries II.Certify construction quality III.Pool in resources for initial expenditure IV.Ensure ISL usage 6. Approach a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l)

Survey Eligibility Criterion SWOT Analysis ISL Sanction Process Disbursement of Funds Construction Cost Assessment UNICEF-approved Models Funding Pattern Involvement of Local Community Involvement of Mandal/District officials Concerned Usage Survey Penalty for Open Defecation

6.1 Survey 6.1a To begin with, houses without ISLs are identified. Then they are categorised into: I. Beneficiaries with space for ISL construction II. Beneficiaries without space for ISL construction The list of beneficiaries is prepared with the help of Panchayat and Change Agents. 6.2 Eligibility Criterion Beneficiaries: 1. Should belong to the Below Poverty Line category (Whose annual earnings, from all means, are below Rs.11,000/-). 2. Must possess own space for construction of an ISL. Those without space can be considered at a later stage by providing community toilets but only after providing sanitation facilities to all those who have adequate space. 3. Should make an application along with a photograph and submit required documents like copy of the white card / income proof (Form is available either at Panchayat or Mandal Office). 6.3 SWOT Analysis To ascertain the success rate of the intervention, we need to assess our: Strengths o Presence of Committed Change Agents / Volunteers o Availability of adequate water for ISL maintenance o Ability to launch awareness programmes o Having the Foundations Health Centre in place Weaknesses o Peoples inability to overcome the old habit of defecating in open places o Missing links Community / Government o Peoples inclination to utilise ISLs for other purposes Opportunities o Opportunity to make environment healthy

Threats o Inconsistent government policies

6.4 ISL Sanction Process a. At Individual level 1. After carrying out verification, the Panchayat makes recommendation about the beneficiarys eligibility to the Mandal Development Officer for sanction of an ISL 2. MDO approves the application based on priority and availability of funds. (This is generally done in normal course for an Individual beneficiary) b. At group level 1. The District Collector has to be approached for release of the sanction order for the required number of ISLs 2. Timely release of funds has to be ensured Liaise with: 1. 2. 3. 4. Superintending Engineer RWS CEO - Zilla Parishad District Panchayat Officer Officials responsible for delivering Sanctions, funds and inspection of the ISLs

6.5 Disbursement of Funds 1. Government releases funds in a phased manner: First Phase 1/3rd of the amount, immediately after laying foundation for construction of ISL (a photograph of the beneficiary standing next to the site needs to be submitted as proof) Second Phase the balance 2/3rd amount is released after the completion and subsequent inspection of the ISL. (a photograph of the beneficiary standing next to the Completed ISL needs to be submitted as proof). 2. Byrraju Foundation releases its contribution once construction of the ISL is completed and verified by the Nodal Coordinator, an employee of the Foundation. (a photograph of the beneficiary standing next to the completed ISL is required as proof).

6.6 Construction cost assessment 1. Size of ISL with a single pit (UNICEF Model) 4 x 4 Height - 6 (4 x 3 can be constructed where there is space constraint) 2. Cost of construction depends on soil conditions a. Dry Rs. 3,500/b. Wet- Rs. 4,500/6.7 UNICEF-approved models Model 1: Single-pit Water seal Latrine (RCC slab with more than 5 cement concrete rings as pit lining) Model 2: Single-Pit Water seal Latrine (RCC slab with ceramic pan, water seal, connecting pipes and Concrete rings as pit lining) Model 3: Double-pit water seal Latrine

6.8 Funding pattern 1. Government Central State State (HUDCO loan to state Government) 2. Byrraju Foundation 3. Beneficiary Total 375/375/2,000/500/250/3,500/-

Revised: 1. Government Central State State (HUDCO loan to state Government) 2. Byrraju Foundation Total 375/375/2,000/300/3,050/-

6.9 Involvement of local community Involve community in: Organising meetings for promotion of ISLs Pamphlet distribution Organising road shows Organising rallies / awareness campaigns Taking up the initiative of ISL construction by pooling in resources (on large-scale construction) Ensuring 100% usage of ISLs 6.10 Involvement of Mandal/District officials concerned Organise workshops to bridge the gap between the local community & government officials Organise visits to villages along with the government officials Monitor the progress along with the government officials 6.11 Usage survey To ensure 100% usage, periodic survey needs to be conducted on a random basis. The same can be reported to the people concerned in the government for monitoring purposes.

10

6.12 Penalty for open defecation To get rid of unhygienic practices, we need to ensure the usage of ISL. Whoever disregards the order should be penalised. Modalities can be worked out with the help of Panchayat / Mandal office. 7. The future ahead At Byrraju Foundation, challenges are always treated as opportunities. Thats what an NGOs approach is expected to be as well. In line with the approach, the Foundation works towards constructing ISLs in all households of an adopted village. So far, the Foundation has succeeded in constructing 82,000 ISLs in the adopted villages. To reach the target of 100% sanitation in all the adopted villages, 18,000 more ISLs need to be constructed. 7.1 Statement of the problem The population in a given village can be categorised into higher income group, middle income group and lower income group, which constitutes people living Below Poverty Line. A BPL family finds it hard to earn two square meals a day for its members. So, such families cannot afford to save any money even to meet emergencies. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to come forward to get an ISL constructed by spending Rs.3,500/-. Keeping this monetary incapacity in view, the Central Government under its Total Sanitation Campaign has announced and sanctioned funds to state governments. Byrraju Foundation has approached the state government at all levels to make sanitation programme a success. 7.2 Identifying beneficiaries Nodal Coordinators (representatives/staff of Byrraju Foundation), with the help of Change Agents (volunteers residing in the village), identify and list the families that fall in BPL category and approach government authorities seeking release of its contribution for the programme. This step saves the governments time and money by doing away with surveys to identify beneficiaries.

11

8. Problems It is very difficult to make people adopt a new practice unless they are convinced of its success. To address the issue, the Foundation employs people with experience as motivators, along with subject experts, so that issues, if any, are sorted out by clarifying doubts about the initiative and the monetary aspects involved, like the governments contribution, beneficiarys contribution, and the Foundations contribution, disbursement of funds, monitoring of construction and quality, usage, etc. To make the beneficiaries receptive to the initiative, the Foundation holds awareness and motivational programmes and educates them about the importance of ISLs and sanitation. The programmes include skits, burra katha, magic shows and pamphlets highlighting the ill effects of open defecation and aim at bringing about behavioural changes in the target population. The Foundation also conducts workshops, seminars and focus group discussions amongst villagers of all the adopted villages. 8.1 Location choice Several things need to be taken into account when choosing the location to set up an ISL. First of all, many people are not the rightful owners of the plot of land they live in and therefore cannot simply demarcate some spot to build toilets. Others live in spatially congested houses and so cannot spare enough space for a toilet. A more practical factor is the ISLs closeness to the living area. 8.2 Precaution Byrraju Foundation takes utmost care not to affect the environment in the villages. For instance, both East and West Godavari Districts are almost at sea level and are rich in natural water sources. So, unplanned construction of toilets will pollute the shallow ground water resource. Usually the pits are not sealed at the bottom and there is a distinct possibility that the concrete rings used to prevent the pit from collapsing may leak. Close monitoring and frequent testing is therefore necessary to sustain the system. 9. Construction of ISLs In line with the Foundations ideal of benefiting the village economic structure to the extent possible with its activities, local masons are employed for construction of ISLs. The Foundation ensures that the government allocation along with the incentive it extends for construction of ISLs is disbursed immediately after completion of the construction.

12

10. Creating awareness Apart from getting ISLs constructed, the main goal of the Foundation is to raise awareness levels of the villagers on the importance of hygiene. This is the most difficult of the tasks because using toilets is an alien practice for most of the villagers. Convincing them to invest money in a facility that demands them to discard an age-old practice is Herculean. So, the Foundation adopts various methods to educate villagers on the disadvantages of open defecation and the advantages of using sanitary facilities. It has been noticed that many of the villagers fail to see the link open defecation has with the spread of a number of water-borne diseases. Most of the beneficiaries consider an ISL as nothing more than a secure, convenient and private place to relieve oneself. However, women and young girls in the beneficiary families are happy for getting a basic need within the precincts of their house. To drive home the point, the Foundation has identified certain target groups to educate them on the importance of sanitation. School students are taught hygiene and its role in healthy living. They are asked to propagate the knowledge among their family members. This has been found to be quite effective. To reach the entire village community, the Foundation involves womens and other self-help organisations and schools to propagate utility of ISLs. Different media like short films, pamphlets, pictures, etc. are used to stress the importance of sanitation. Such awareness creation is what the Government of India sums up as Information, Education and Communication policy. However, such campaigns failed because people were only financially but not socially and personally supported. Further, the Foundation makes it a point to highlight the Government of Indias extension of financial aid for ISL scheme. The information itself spurs many villagers into action and makes them construct one in their house. Lastly, since sanitation really makes sense only if it is total, social pressure the community can put on a single household is very effective, this aspect is taken care of by the GVS. In some of the Foundation-adopted villages, where a few households could not pool in their share of the money for construction of an ISL, other members came forward to contribute their mite. In other cases, especially in villages where nearly 100% coverage is reached, the community fines people who defecate in the open.

13

11. Toilet Models The Foundation installs standardised toilet models conceptualised by UNICEF. Dimensions and appearance may vary minimally in line with locality. Standardisation is an important factor in the fabrication of cheap but highquality products. The materials used should be widely available in all areas. Local trade has long been aware of the opportunity sanitary goods offer and thus there is a competitive market in most areas. Basically, ISLs come in 2 types, one for dry and one for wet soil. The dry soil type is cheaper as the number of items required for its construction is much less. The table below lists the dimensions and the rates of the required material for either type.

14

Materials needed for an ISL fit to be used in Dry Soil: Item Size Nos. Cost (Rs.) Hollow bricks 16x18x4 110 770 50-60 Sand Gamela 50-60 120 15 Big metal 1 1/2" Gamela 120 Cement Bags 2 290 Toilet sheet & bend 20" 1 180 PVC pipes (gas pipe & inside pipe) 2&4" 2 100 Door (wood frame & GI sheet) 2x5 1 350 Slab Sheet 435x4.5 1 300 RCC rings (With fixing) 3.x 1 6 540 RCC cap above rings (dummy) 3 1/2ft 1 110 Mason charges 250 Labour charges (for 2 days) 250 Ventilator 1ft x 2ft 1 20 Miscellaneous (Handling charges) 100 3500 Total
Table 1

Materials needed for constructing an ISL in Wet Soil areas; apart from those required for a Dry Soil Version: Cost Item Specification (Rs.) Iron 8mm 600 Gravel 200 Labour charges for digging bores 200 Total for Dry Soil Toilet 3500 Grand Total 4500

These toilets measure 4 by 4 feet and are 6 feet high. In houses where space is a constraint, for example where the backyards are narrow, toilets measuring 4 by 3 feet can be constructed. They have brick walls (contrary to the pictures in figures 1 and 2 below where theyre made of bamboo) and painted white to make them look attractive and unobtrusive to their surroundings. UNICEF has approved a number of ISL models, Table 2 the following are a few of them. They basically vary in the collection of the waste and in the size of the waste containers.

15

Model 1

Model 2

Model 1 is the most basic of the variations approved by UNICEF. Waste is collected directly below the pan and sealed (for reasons of hygiene and smell) by water. A minimum of 5 concrete rings build up the waste pit

Model 2 is a further developed version; the pit is set to the side and connects to the ceramic pan by a pipe. This provides a bit more hygiene for the user. The capacity of the waste pit is the same as of model 1.
Figure 1

Model 3

Model 4

Model 3 is further developed than Model 2, with the pit set aside technically improved.

Model 4 is the same as model 3 with the addition of a second pit. This toilet can be used longest without the need for its being emptied. It is useful especially for large households.
Figure 2

In most of the adopted villages, the Byrraju Foundation employs UNESCOapproved Model No. 3, a single-pit latrine of high technical standards. Model

16

No. 4 is preferred in places where the space is too little to build a double-pit latrine. The Foundation gives least importance to Model No. 1 and 2. Why we have adopted this model (pour flush water seal latrine) over Community Toilets? The Foundation has had bitter experience with community toilets. The users think that it is not their business to keep community toilets clean and tidy. There is hardly any regular water source to clean up these toilets. Even where water facility is available there is no watch and ward to maintain the toilets. Therefore, the Foundation encourages ISLs. 12. Quick Start Guide 12.1 Initiating the Process In every adopted village the Foundation carries out a survey and prepares a list of households that fall into the BPL category (keeping in mind the availability of space to construct an ISL). Households with adequate space for an ISL get preference. Later, a list of beneficiaries is prepared. Then, all the beneficiaries are explained in detail about the programme, fund contribution, advantages that they get and health benefits due to superior hygiene factors. The Foundation conducts the following motivational programmes to make the intervention a success: Burrakathas; Magic shows; Rallies; Chaitanya yathras; distribution of pamphlets/leaflets; workshops at district level; focus group discussions and small group discussions at village level. In the workshop, it was made clear by the Foundation that it is contributing Rs.500/- per ISL on behalf of the beneficiary (to give fillip to the initiative) that he is supposed to pay to the Government as individual contribution. 12.2 Leach-pit Technology The latrine consists of a squatting plate or a pan with a steep bottom and side slopes and a gas-trap with a 20 mm water-seal. The water-seal checks the escape of foul gases and microbes into the atmosphere from the leach pits. About 1.5 to 2 litres of water is sufficient to flush excreta into leach pits through pipes or covered drains. One pit is used at a time and both pits are covered by air-tight covers. The gases disperse and the liquid infiltrates into the soil through holes in the pit lining. When one pit is full, excreta is directed to the second pit (optional). In about 18 months, the contents of the filled up pit get transformed into manure, handling of which becomes easier and safe. Now, the pit is emptied and can be used again till the second pit is full. Thus,

17

the two pits can be used alternatively and continuously. The Foundation encourages single-pit toilets to overcome space constraint common to many a village. 12.3 Advantages of Leach-pit ISL A leach-pit ISL is: hygienic; technologically superior; low-cost; easy to construct with locally available materials; allows modification of the design and specifications to suit user needs; does not pollute surface or ground water, if proper precautions are taken at the time of construction; does not require the services of a scavenger, so maintenance is simple; requires little water; produces manure; can be connected to sewers when sewerage lines are laid in the locality; a low-volume flushing cistern can also be attached; and the whole set-up requires very little space.

12.4 People Involved Government of INDIA Department of Drinking Water Supply (DDWS), the nodal agency in the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, provides scientific, technical and financial assistance to the states to fund drinking water and sanitation projects. GoI's major intervention in water sector began in 1972-73 through Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) for assisting States/ UTs to accelerate the coverage of drinking water supply. In 1986, the entire programme received a shot in the arm approach with the launch of the Technology Mission on Drinking Water and Related Water Management. This Technology Mission was later renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM) in 1991-92. DDWS was formed under the MoRD in 1999 to lay emphasis on rural water supply as well as on sanitation. In the same year, new initiatives in water sector were introduced through Sector Reform Project, which was later scaled up as Swajaldhara in 2002. In the sanitation sector, the Central Rural Sanitation programme, which was introduced in 1986, was later restructured and Total Sanitation Campaign was launched in 1999 adopting people-centred and demand-driven approach. With sustained interventions, DDWS remains an important institution supporting the projects of States/UTs to provide water and sanitation facilities across the country. Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is a comprehensive programme launched to provide sanitation facilities in rural areas with a broader goal to eradicate the practice of open defecation. TSC, a demand-driven and people-centred

18

programme was introduced in 1999. It follows a principle of low to no subsidy, wherein a nominal subsidy in the form of incentive is extended to the rural poor for construction of toilets. TSC emphasises Information, Education and Communication (IEC), Capacity Building and Hygiene Education for effective behavioural change involving PRIs, CBOs, NGOs, etc. The key intervention areas are Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL), School Sanitation and Hygiene Education (SSHE), Community Sanitary Complex, Anganwadi toilets supported by Rural Sanitary Marts (RSMs) and Production Centres (PCs). The main goal of the GoI behind all these programmes is to eradicate the practice of open defecation by 2010. To give fillip to the objective, the GoI has launched Nirmal Gram Puraskar. A cash award, the Puraskar recognises fully-covered PRIs and those individuals and institutions that work towards ensuring full sanitation coverage in their area of operation. The project is being implemented in rural areas taking district as the unit. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Information, Education and Communication (IEC) are important components of the TSC. In the past, a large number of toilets were constructed when supplydriven CRSP was introduced. Unfortunately, this massive effort could not achieve the desired success. The toilets remained unused largely due to poor programme implementation. This was compounded by the communitys disregard for health and hygiene aspects of safe drinking water and clean sanitation facilities, owing to poor awareness levels. Therefore, under TSC, GoI seeks to educate the public, create awareness among them regarding good health and proper hygiene, provide solutions wherever necessary, build alliances with like-minded organisations and the community as a whole and create long-term success by facilitating community involvement and ownership. IECs main role is to create awareness about hygiene and effect behavioural changes. The activities under this programme are area specific and involve all sections of the rural population. They are designed in such a manner that they encourage people to go for construction of latrines. The IEC also focuses on health and hygiene practices and environmental sanitation aspects. Under IEC, wall painting on a community building or hoardings should display the details of activities undertaken in that Panchayat. Further, audio/ video clippings on AIR, Doordarshan and Cable TVs may be screened for demand generation. IEC funding will be in the ratio of 80:20 between GoI and the State Governments and the total IEC cost should not be less than 15 per cent of the project. Each project district should prepare a detailed IEC action plan with defined strategies to reach all sections of the community. Funds available under IEC may be used for imparting hygiene education to the people as well as children in schools.

19

Nirmal Gram Puraskar To add vigour to the TSC, in June 2003, GoI initiated an incentive scheme called ' Nirmal Gram Puraskar' for fully sanitised and open-defecation-free Gram Panchayats, Blocks and Districts. The incentive pattern is based on population criteria. The incentive provision is for PRIs as well as individuals and organisations that work towards achieving full sanitation coverage. As on date, 56 Byrraju adopted villages of East and West Godavari districts have received the prestigious Nirmal Gram Puraskar awards. The year-wise spilt-up of the awards is as follow: A humble beginning was made in the year 2004-05 wherein 3 adopted villages from East and West Godavari districts bagged the NGP award. In the year 2005-06, 6 villages of East and West Godavari districts received the NGP award and in 2007-08, 35 adopted villages of West Godavari and 12 villages of East Godavari were recipients of the NGP award. In the current year, 36 Byrraju adopted villages belonging to East Godavari and Guntur districts have applied for the Nirmal Gram Puraskar award.

20