Open air defication :

The percentage people defecating in open air in the world is 60 % mostly in Africa and Asia . The highest number of people doing this in Asia as well as in the world is India ,a staggering number 638 Million ; a whooping percentage of 54 of our population . At the same time 50 % of our population has Mobiles .We Indian have been proud having excelled in several field at world level, development. We are particularly proud of our culture and heritage also. Is this also a part of our culture ? In china it is 50 million of the 1.38 Billion a mere 4 %; Pakistan which is far behind in almost all the field now including in sports ,48 million of 177 million making it only 37% of the population; why have we attained this position ? Of course percentage wise some African countries are above India ,most underdeveloped countries like Niger and Ethiopia 79 and 70 % respectively.
This happens irrespective of the landscapes , Sea sides , river Banks ponds lakes where the lazy don’t have to bother about fetching water ; then of course in cities ,towns and villages without any discrimination as there are no sufficient toilets for the public in public places. Before going to the cities let us start in places near the Water bodies ; it is the most important place to be kept clean as water will very quickly transmit the Bacteria , Virus and infectious germs. Then there is the strong possibility of aquatic species getting infected and transmitting to the human when consumed as food.
Solution:
1.First and foremost involve the local community and the N.G.O’s where the drive is to be taken up. Politicians and officials are just target oriented, like so many pamphlets distributed, so many video clipping exhibited and lectures and seminars conducted. That is it . and no follow up or feed back mechanism . Make sure to provide at least recycled water in the toilets otherwise the efforts and valuable resources will be a waste. Make sure the wash water cloths as well doesn’t join the stream.
After the ill effects and health hazards of open air defecation is made clear in their mind involve them in the conversation, when they say they don’t have resources to build toilets then construct for them, but with a guarantee from the community and the N.G.O. that that the maintenance will be their responsibility under partial supervision from the community and the body.
2. Once toilets are built and handed over there should be supervision to drive people away from open air defecation to the toilets; don’t let them have any excuses. That itself will give a feed back on the operation. Particularly in the beach fronts for example in Chennai, Marina at the southern end, Basant nagar and right up to Mamallapuram and beyond towards the south where they live. Make sure there is water available but not wasted ; and also provide lights The next generation of the children all got to school, some to colleges, some work in private companies and government offices.
3. Then plan the next stage of follow up to get the habit inculcated in them.
4, Don’t attempt any for the sake of numbers to tick the election manifestos or rush through and open toilets for the sake of showing numbers as a V.I.P. or P.M. is to visit. Those will never be successful. Make sure that every toilet will be well utilized . Go area wise slowly not at one shot for numbers . more