December 2, 2015
Special Mention by Vivek Gupta regarding open defecation
Concern over practice of rampant defecation in the open in the country
Sir, this is to draw the attention of the House that the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimate that there are more than 620 million people practising open defecation in the country; over 50 per cent of the population.
Moreover, the latest Census data reveals that the percentage of households having access to television and telephones in rural India exceeds the percentage of households with access to toilet facilities. The economic impact of inadequate sanitation is about Rs.2.4 trillion ($38.4 million) or 6.4 per cent of India’s Gross Domestic Product, according to the Water and Sanitation Programme.
Here, Nadia district in West Bengal has achieved the task of becoming the first district in India to end open defecation. The Chief Minister of West Bengal has applauded this major success through the ‘Sabar Shouchagar Initiative’.
Nadia district administration in record 18 months increased the toilet coverage in the district from 66 per cent in July 2013 to 100 per cent by March 2015. About 5.16 million citizens of the district attained access to sanitary toilets. A staggering 3,55,609 toilets were built in record time.
While the frontline workers highlighted hazards of open defecation, anganwadi workers inspired masses for a better living. About 8.5 lakh school children from 4,240 educational institutions pooled their efforts to make the district Open Defecation Free.
The transformation of Nadia to Open Defecation Free district is a story of commitment, thoughtful leadership coupled with overwhelming community participation.
