Sanitation Initiatives

Overview

67 Years have gone after independence but about 130 million house holds lack toilets. More than 72% of rural people defecate in open. Of the 1 billion people in the world who have no toilet, India accounts for nearly 600 million. World Bank study says that Indian economy loses nearly $54 billion (around Rs 24,000 crore) annually due to lack of toilets and poor hygiene.

The cost of treatment for diseases due to poor hygiene is estimated at $38.5 billion (over Rs 17,000 crore). The Government of India and the State Governments have earmarked adequate funds to provide sanitation facilities. Sanitation remains top priority of the nation. The crisis holds the opportunity.

The Centre of Excellence for Change Management (CEC) has not only taken efforts to create awareness on sanitation by spreading messages on eradication of open defecation to ensure clean and hygienic environment but has stepped in to facilitate building of toilets in the villages. In all its Water Security and Safety projects, CEC as taken sanitation as integral part of Water Security.