According to JMP report 2012: Open defecation in rural areas persists in every region of the developing world, even

n among those who have otherwise reached high levels of improved sanitation. Open defecation is highest in rural areas of southern Asia, where it is practiced by 55 per cent of the population. Globally, 79 % of the urban population use an improved sanitation facility, compared to 47 % of the rural population.

More than half of the 2.5 billion people without improved sanitation live in India or China (JMP - 2012)

Rest of World 604 India 814 China 477 Indonesia 110 Nigeria 109 Pakistan 91 Bangladesh 66 Ethopia 66 Democratic Republic of the congo 50 Russian Federation 43

India 814

United Republic of Tanzania 40 Brazil 40

Countries with the large numbers of people without access to improved sanitation (millions)

China and India contributed 40% of total people (2617 million) who have gained access to improved sanitation in last two decades

Eastern Asia 613 In China 593 Southern Asia 399 In India 251

China 593 India 251

South-Eastern Asia 204

Sub- Saharan Africa 127 Latin America & The Caribbean 169 Developed Countries 97 Western Asia 74 Northern Africa 62 Caucasus and Central Asia 27 Oceania 1

Number of people who gained access to improved sanitation from 1990 to 2010, by MDG region (millions)

JMP report 2012: In World total 1053.7 million people are practicing open defecation. Out of them 60 percent are living in India only. Census 2011: India 49.8% of total 122.9 million households practice open defecation In rural India the situation is still worse. 67.3% i.e. 113 million households practice open defecation.

 In 1986, MRD initiated Indias first nation-wide program,

the Central Rural Sanitation Program(CRSP), with demand driven approach. Despite an investment of more than Rs. 6 billion, rural sanitation grew at just 1% annually in 1990s. By 2001 only 22% of rural households had access to toilets. GOI restructured the program with the launch of Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in 1999. TSC advocates a participatory and demand driven approach, taking a district as a unit with significant involvement of Gram Panchyats and local communities.

Sanitation Coverage in Rural India

100 90

80

70

60

50

42
40

30.9
30

34.8

33

21.92
20

26

30.7

10

1
0
Census 1981 Census 1991 Census 2001 JMP - 2006 JMP - 2008 NSSO (200809) ASER - 2010 JMP 2010 Census 2011

Although the rural sanitation coverage has increased exponentially in the last decade, the real impact could not be appreciated due to increase in total number of rural households.

Poverty Dysfunctional of toilets Septic tanks Lack of Institutional framework Lack of Trained Manpower Community approach Behavior change

 Study by Centre for Media Studies (CMS), in 2010 indicates, 41%

of the respondents cited poverty as the reason for nonconstruction of toilets. Due to increase in cost of toilet construction poor people of rural areas are not able to afford the price. Most assessment show it is between Rs. 12,000/- to 16,000/GOI provides for BPL households Rs. 3200/-(Rs. 3700/- for hilly and difficult areas) and State governments provide Rs. 1400/- per IHHL BPL households are expected to find resources for rest. MNREGS funding could be taped for funding the construction of IHHL. Apart from GOI/State Government funding through Bank as loan to individual need introduction to meet gap. For improving proper fund utilization Government of India/State share may be routed through banks.

 Many incomplete/poorly constructed toilets (more

than 40%) are dysfunctional due to reasons such as poor quality of construction as well as material, filled pits, chocked pan/pipes etc. Lack of trained masons at the grass-root level. Majority of masons, without knowledge of safe technologies, opt for septic tank.

 Septic tanks are also big problem in achieving sustainable

sanitation target. Majority of the septic tanks had openings into open drains, which drained the liquid effluents from the septic tanks. This also leads to a high probability of ground water pollution. Septic tank requires more space. The construction needs regular technical assistance and supervision. This needs ventilation, which adds to cost. Desludging of Septic tank is needed on regular basis. The sludge and effluent from a septic tank can not be used as a fertilizer straight away without causing health hazards. In some areas septic tank toilets are within 10 meters distance from water sources causing pollution. Majority of masons, without knowledge of safe technologies, opt for septic tanks.

 District and Block level institutional mechanism for

planning, implementation, O&M, monitoring are lacking to take up rural sanitation project in large scale. Availability of manpower at the village level for motivation, construction and follow-up action is missing. Availability of material to take up implemental and follow-up action need to be taken up at the grass-root level.

The community is not sensitized regarding the ill-

effects of the open defecation and its impact on health, dignity and security especially of women, children and elderly. The concept of open defecation free (ODF) village need to be advocated to provide maximum health benefits to the community.

 The country has come a long way to break the

traditional barrier and taboo associated with toilets, open defecation in rural areas continues to be a socially and culturally accepted traditional behavior at large, by both rich and poor. At present, up to 15% of project outlay is reserved for IEC activities. A study undertaken by UNICEF in 2008, it was found that out of the 81% of the population having access to sanitation in NGP panchayats, only 67% were using the facilities.

 Motivation
Training Funding Mechanism

 Needs for motivation at administrative /district /block

level. This will help proper planning for man and material, implementation scheduling, operation and maintenance and monitoring. Village level for creation of demand for toilets, proper utilization and day to day maintenance. Motivators is not one time job and need to be made available on regular basis to carry regular activities. Trained motivators to be available at the village level as well as at the block and district level. 15% funds available under IEC programme may be used.

 Properly trained masons are not available in

the villages to take care the community needs.

Masons should be trained for different

designs and technologies of toilets to take care of the problems at site.

Masons will be trained for follow up

activities to take care of the problems.

 NGOs have an important role in the implementation of

TSC in the rural areas. Their services are required to be utilized not only for bringing about awareness among rural people for the need of rural sanitation but also ensuring that they actually make use of the sanitary latrines. Local Self Help Groups, Womens organizations, youth associations and NGOs of repute can play a major role in programme implementation. Reputed NGOs can help in planning, implementation, motivation, training and follow-up activities for open defecation free villages in the country.