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poonamcmi · 3 months ago

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India Ceramic Sanitaryware Industry and Overview

The Indian ceramic sanitaryware industry has seen significant growth over the past decade led by rapid urbanisation and rising income levels. Ceramic sanitaryware includes products used in bathrooms such as wash basins, water closets (toilets), urinals. The growing demand for such products reflects India's improving sanitation levels and changing consumer preferences towards branded durable sanitary products.

India Ceramic Sanitaryware: Raw Material Availability India Ceramic Sanitaryware��of key raw materials required for ceramic sanitaryware manufacturing. Key materials include china clay, feldspar and ball clay which are essential for producing vitreous China used in most sanitary fittings. Major china clay reserves are found in the states of West Bengal, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu contain significant ball clay reserves. Availability of ample raw materials within the country reduces production costs and logistics expenses for manufacturers. It also lessens dependence on expensive imports of Vitreous China which is a competitive advantage.

India Ceramic Sanitaryware: Growth of Urban Populations Rapid urbanization has been a major driver of increased sanitaryware demand in India. The urban population is projected to rise to over 600 million by 2030 from 450 million currently. Growing cities require extensive housing and infrastructure development. This translates to rising spends on bathroom fittings by property developers, builders as well as urban migrant populations seeking better living standards. Increased purchases of durable sanitaryware such aswash basins, western style toilets have been key segments driving industry value growth.

Rise of the Indian Middle Class Economic liberalization since the 1990s has led to a substantial expansion of India's consuming middle class population estimated at over 200 million individuals. As discretionary spending power rises among this segment, there is increased consumerism even for household amenities like bathroom fittings previously considered as luxuries. The introduction of attractive and affordable options by Indian sanitaryware brands has enabled wider penetration and 'trading up' from basic to premium variants in urban as well as tier 2/3 cities. This expanded customer base seeking aesthetic styles and hygienic products is critical for ongoing sectoral progress.

Government of India Ceramic Sanitaryware Growth Initiatives Various government schemes and reforms have supported the industry's evolution especially in rural regions. 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' aimed at eliminating open defecation has spurred projects across villages to construct individual and community toilets. Funding for plumbing, sanitation facilities in residential projects has been ramped up under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. This has boosted demand from government channels in addition to raising awareness about hygienic bathroom practices nationwide. Simplified GST rates along with production linked incentives are encouraging larger investments and modernization efforts by sanitaryware manufacturers.

Rise of Organized Players Favorable policies and growing consumption has led to significant consolidation in the ceramic sanitaryware industry with organized sector players gaining market share. Large companies such as Cera, Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Limited (HSIL), Parryware, Kohler and Roca accounted for over 35% of domestic sales revenues in 2020 compared to just 10-15% a decade ago. These brands offer a wide array of restroom options along with premium designer products and wellness categories like faucets and showers. Many have established extensive retail networks across the country in addition to lucrative collaborations with builders. Economies of scale and enhanced quality standards are helping them outperform smaller unorganized peers over the long run.

Export Growth Potential India exported USD 225 million worth of ceramic tiles and sanitaryware products in FY21 displaying resilient growth despite pandemic restrictions. Major export destinations include the Middle East, African countries as well as the United States. Indian vitrified tiles are competitively priced in global markets due to access to low cost clay materials. Furthermore, 'Made in India' brands like CAMA are making inroads by catering vitreous China products tailored to needs in developing markets. With additional efforts to promote Indian capabilities and sign free trade agreements, the government aims to multiply ceramic exports to USD 1 billion by 2025. This reflects the industry's rising export orientation bolstered by cost advantages and improving quality benchmarks.

Rising Investments Established players as well as new entrants are committing large capex to expand capacity and diversify product offerings. HSIL, the country's largest producer is spending Rs. 650 crores over 2020-23 for backend integration, new plants and retail showrooms. Cera Sanitaryware allocated Rs. 200 crores in 2021-22 focusing on vitreous units. Kajaria Ceramics too added 2 new bathware lines last year taking total capacity to 50,000 pieces/day. Many Chinese and European firms are evaluating JVs/greenfield projects to tap the booming Indian demand. Such investments demonstrate long term confidence of stakeholders on India's role as a global sanitaryware hub supported by its market depth and consumption trends.

Changing Consumer Preferences With higher spending ability as well as awareness regarding latest styles, customers are displaying evolving tastes.There is rising demand for customization, multifunctional accessories as well as smart, IoT enabled sanitary items. ‘Designer’ and ‘premium’ segments incorporating features like anti-bacterial glazes, sensor based controls are witnessing maximum growth. Tier 2/3 towns also seek on-trend offerings beyond basic products. Manufacturers are launching new collections, partnering with designers as well as leveraging digital platforms to interact closer with clients. This has ensured the industry remains nimble in delivering improved solutions catering contemporary requirements of urban residents.

Backed by supportive demographics and policies, India's ceramic sanitaryware industrywill likely maintain double digit expansion over the next 5 years. While meeting huge domestic needs, focus on exports, professionalization and innovation shall strengthen its positioning as a leading global hub. Continuous efforts to enhance skill sets, optimize costs as well as tap non-metro, rural territories present extensive untapped opportunities. Adoption of renewable energy,waste recycling processes can boost sustainability too. Overall, the sector is progressing confidently in its goal to provide 'total bathroom solutions' promoting health, convenience and style for citizens across all income segments nationwide. Get More Insights On, India Ceramic Sanitaryware For More Insights Discover the Report In language that Resonates with you

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#Ceramic Sanitaryware #Bathroom Design #Sanitary Products #Interior Design #Home Improvement #Luxury Bathrooms #Indian Homes #India Ceramic Sanitaryware

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thebillionaireinsider · 10 months ago

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Anil Ambani's work and public service for India

From the start of Reliance Power, Anil Ambani has been the Chairman, designing the CSR policy of Reliance Power. As a board member, his decisions and vision shape the company's strategic direction, including CSR budget allocation and goal setting.

Reliance Power focuses on bringing a change in the lives of the population of Rural India and focuses its efforts on two main themes, environmental social work and sanitation. Through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Anil Ambani was also one of the first people to be invited for the start of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reliance Power has put resources into various projects, such as ‘Hamari Paathshala’ an educational programme focusing on digital literacy and supplying scholarships to various students. Infrastructure was another aspect of this project which focused on providing better schools and desks for students in rural areas.

Through various medical camps under the ‘Swasth Chetna’ project, Reliance’s ‘Swasth Chetna’ programme in 2019 installed sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators at six government schools. This enabled more than 1000 + below-poverty-line adolescent girls in villages in and around Nagpur to return to school, reducing dropout rates.

In their commitment to sanitation, Reliance Power engaged in multiple activities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. From Anil Ambani’s devotion to the campaign by cleaning various public spaces, he inspired other celebrities and Reliance Group employees to also take this mission forward in their respective offices. Reliance Power also focused on sanitation related infrastructure to bring clean toilets in households and rural schools. Other activities included engagement in providing safe drinking water and construction water storage systems.

The CSR initiatives by Reliance Power are not just about building infrastructure but are also about empowering communities and creating long lasting change.Anil Ambani's work and public service for India

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delhidarshan1 · 1 year ago

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Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra: Promoting Cleanliness and Hygiene in Delhi

The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra, located in Delhi, stands as a testament to India's commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. As a significant initiative under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign), this center serves as a beacon of inspiration and knowledge for individuals, communities, and institutions striving to create a cleaner and healthier India. In this article, we will explore the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra, its purpose, features, and the impact it has on promoting cleanliness and hygiene in Delhi.

The Purpose of Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra: The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra was established with the aim of raising awareness about sanitation, cleanliness, and hygiene practices among the citizens of India, with a special focus on Delhi. The center serves as an educational hub, providing valuable information, resources, and interactive exhibits to educate visitors about the importance of cleanliness in their daily lives.

Key Features and Exhibits:

Interactive Exhibitions: The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra houses interactive exhibitions that engage visitors through innovative displays, audio-visual presentations, and immersive experiences. These exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including waste management, sanitation, water conservation, and the history of cleanliness in India.

Swachh Bharat Pavilion: This pavilion highlights the journey of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and showcases the progress made in different aspects of cleanliness and hygiene. It sheds light on the impact of the campaign, success stories, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame pays tribute to the individuals, organizations, and communities that have made significant contributions to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Their inspiring stories serve as motivation for visitors to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives.

Sanitation Park: The Sanitation Park within the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra provides a hands-on experience to understand various sanitation technologies and practices. It showcases models of toilets, waste management systems, and innovative solutions for sustainable sanitation.

Virtual Reality Experiences: The center offers virtual reality experiences that simulate real-life scenarios related to cleanliness, hygiene, and waste management. This technology enables visitors to understand the impact of their actions on the environment and motivates them to adopt responsible practices.

Impact and Outreach: The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra has had a significant impact on promoting cleanliness and hygiene in Delhi. It serves as a platform for dialogue, fostering collaborations among government bodies, NGOs, corporates, and citizens to work towards a cleaner and greener city. The center conducts workshops, seminars, and training programs to empower individuals and communities with knowledge and skills related to cleanliness and sanitation.

Furthermore, the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra has become a popular destination for school field trips, attracting students from across the country. By educating the younger generation about the importance of cleanliness, the center instills values and habits that will contribute to a cleaner future for India.

Conclusion: The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra in Delhi stands as a symbol of India's commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. Through its engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational initiatives, the center plays a pivotal role in spreading awareness about the significance of cleanliness in our lives. By inspiring individuals, communities, and institutions to actively participate in cleanliness campaigns, the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra is driving positive change and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable Delhi, setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.

#delhidarshan #delhi tourism #delhi darshan #delhi sightseeing

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aahanaashi · 4 years ago

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#Bihar-Assembly-Elections #Narendra-Modi-Government #Flagship-Schemes-of-Modi-Government #Toilet-Under-Swachh-Bharat-Abhiyan #Garib-Kalyan-Rojgar-Abhiyaan #Migrant-Workers-of-Bihar

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newsbunddle · 4 years ago

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Over 4,300 urban local bodies free of open defecation: Govt

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By: Express News Service | New Delhi | October 2, 2020 2:47:32 am

“A total of 4,327 urban local bodies have been declared open defecation-free (ODF) so far,” the ministry said in a statement. (File)

Over 1,300 cities and over 4,300 urban local bodies in the country have so far achieved open-defecation-free tags, the Ministry of Housing…

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#gandhi jayanti #indian express #open defecation #swachh bharat abhiyan #toilets built under swachh bharat

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malikkavita · 2 years ago

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The Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Missions Are Combining To Improve People’s Well-Being

Swachh Bharat Mission:

The aim of the Swachh Bharat Mission, or Clean Mission India, is to eradicate open defecation and improve sanitation in India. The government constructed over 10 crore toilets that were of twin-pit toilet design with in-situ faecal sludge treatment.

The mission of Jal Jeevan:

It was first introduced in 2010 and over 9.6 crore rural homes are intended to receive tap water connections because of it. By 2024, it is the goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission to give every home in rural India with access to safe and sufficient drinking water via individual household tap connections.

The programme will also incorporate source sustainability measures as requirements, such as water saving, rainwater collection, and recharge and reuse through grey water management. A crucial element of the Jal Jeevan Mission would be substantial information, education, and communication. It will focus on a community-based approach to water. A crucial element of the Jal Jeevan Mission would be substantial information, education, and communication. It will focus on a community-based approach to water. JJM seeks to establish a jan andolan for water, elevating it to a universal priority.

Convergence as a Concept

In his first budget speech, Arun Jaitley (Ex-Finance Minister) listed convergence as one of the key governing themes. He appreciated the power of togetherness and gave the example of multiple sticks bundled together being way stronger than a single stick. Similarly, the convergence of ideas, projects, and strategies is where the unity rests.

Phase 2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission: Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission convergence

The difficulty of regulating grey water discharge was one that both the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission faced. About 70% of all home water turns into grey water, which, if dumped untreated, can have detrimental consequences. Therefore, in order to attain comprehensive sanitation, where the treatment of grey water becomes a crucial component, the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission under SBA have been combined. Solid and liquid waste management procedures have been developed in the regions of focus under SBA Phase 2. The government will continue to strive for excellence throughout the second phase by tying up loose ends, filling in delivery gaps, and extending benefits to the very last person in line.

Agenda of Swachh Bharat Mission’s Phase 2

All toilets that weren’t already linked to the main sewer lines during SBA-1 will be done. By doing so, untreated faecal sludge, which at the moment does not enter sewer pipes, will be resolved. It will address the horrifying environmental issue caused by plastic trash in India.

The dignity of women is at the heart of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA).

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF survey found that 80% of respondents said that safety and security were the key factors in their desire to build toilets.

JJM intends to free women from the drudgery of travelling great distances to gather water. Approximately 93% of women expressed they felt comfortable and that using public restrooms had restored their sense of dignity.

In the village and water sanitation committees, the Jal Jeevan Mission reserves 50% of the seats for women. They have given the responsibility to at least five women for monitoring water quality, etc., in each hamlet. At least

Successes of SBA-2

As of now, 3.5 lakh villages are devoid of plastic trash and nearly 4.23 lakh have little to no litter. They have built there about 178 faecal sludge treatment facilities and about 90,000 km of drains.

Significance of these programmes

According to a 2006 research, poor sanitation cost India 6% of its GDP, or Rs 2.4 trillion, at the time. As a result, SBM not only prevents GDP loss but also offers each household benefits totaling Rs 53,000 annually.

These programmes ought to be seen as a stepping stone to more arduous tasks. It attacks social issues at their core.

#swacch bharat #swachh bharat mission #clean mission India #sanitation in India

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bharatlivenewsmedia · 2 years ago

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Navi Mumbai: 3,940 individual toilets constructed in Panvel

Navi Mumbai: 3,940 individual toilets constructed in Panvel A total of 3,940 individual toilets were constructed in Panvel Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) jurisdiction under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Citizens were urged to avail schemes for constructing toilets by submitting applications.A grant of Rs 20,000 was given to each household, lacking a toilet by the state, central government and local…

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#3 #940 #constructed #india #individual #mumbai #navi #news #panvel:#toilets

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slinder-man · 3 years ago

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India is the biggest democracy in the world, which has taken giant strides in the last few decades. We are now the world’s third-largest economy (in purchasing power parity terms). However, being an Indian you can’t resist ‘chalta hai’ (let it be) common attitude. Moreover, for everything we have ‘jugaad’. But in between this, we can not forget everyday issues, which continue to pose hurdles in the progress of the nation. These social, political and economic issues are meant to be taken into consideration, in order to improve the prevailing condition of our society. Issues like corruption, crime, condition of the road network and so on, need to be looked into immediately. With the proliferation of information and technology, more awareness is spreading among the masses. New organisations are sprouting to find a fruitful solution to these problems. The activists involved are really working hard to eradicate these problems from their very roots.

So, we would like the government to come up with the solution to these problems faced by the common man

What are the current major issues in India?

Corruption

The most widely spread endemic in India is corruption, which must be handled quickly and wisely. There is hardly any office, in both the private and public sector, that is untouched from this disease. There is no telling how much loss the economy has suffered because of this. Though most of us are concerned, when the time comes to act, we, the people of India, should not be found lacking.

Illiteracy

The percentage of illiteracy in India is alarming. Though 74.04% of people were counted as literate in 2011 census, there is a wide disparity between rural and urban areas and male and female population. The condition in villages is worse than in cities. Though a number of primary schools have been set up in rural India, the problem persists. Many people who are counted as literate can barely read or write. Hence, providing education just to children won’t solve the problem of illiteracy, as many adults in India are also untouched by education.

Education System

The education system of India is blamed every now and then for being too theoretical, but not practical and skill-based. Students study to score marks, not to gain knowledge. This so-called modern education system was introduced by the colonial masters to create servants who could serve but not lead, and we still have the same education system. Rabindranath Tagore had written many articles offering suggestions to change the education system of India. But still, success is as elusive as ever.

Basic Sanitation

Sanitation is yet another problem, but one of the biggest, in India. There are about 700 million people who have no access to toilets at home. Slum areas do not have toilets. People are thus forced to defecate in the open, which causes numerous diseases like diarrhea, cholera, dehydration etc. Many rural schools also have no toilets, because of which parents do not send their kids, especially girls, to school. Due attention was drawn towards this problem by Gandhiji but nothing much was done. A growing population is the biggest challenge causing these problems. For example, the sewage system in Delhi was designed to meet the needs of a population of three million people. But Delhi now has more than 14 million of population. This is not just the case of Delhi; every state and region in India is the same.

Though 12 million toilets claim to have been built under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in the last five years, as per a UN report, 44% of the population continues to defecate in the open. Sanitation, solid waste management, and drainage continue to pose challenges in India.

However, according to Swachh Bharat Mission website a total of 100 Million toilets were built in India, and all the States, Union Territories, Gram Panchayats, and Districts declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF).

Healthcare System

It is true that the world’s most populous democratic country cannot provide proper healthcare facilities to its entire population. India is becoming a hub for medical tourism but all these facilities are not available to local residents, who happen to be poor. Healthcare is a neglected issue in India, as major attention drawers are agriculture, infrastructure and IT. Lack of resources in rural India is a major concern of the day, leading to most of the problems. 50% of all villagers have no access to healthcare providers; Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 34 per 1000 live births; lack of nutrition caused stunning growth in 50% of all the babies, and 36% people in India have no access to toilets.

Despite the country’s medical tourism bringing in $2.8 billion in 2020 and being the fourth largest medical devices market, the healthcare system for the Indian citizen has been a disappointment. According to a report by NITI Aayog, the country has 1.3 hospitals bed per 1000 population with almost 50% of it concentrated in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra

Poverty

The population of India living below the poverty line declined from 37% in 2004-2005 to 22% in 2011-12 (Planning Commission data). In 2011-12, 22% of the population (one in five Indians) lived in extreme poverty. This figure is expected to decline to 5% by 2022, as per World Poverty Clock estimate. However, 80% of the poor in India live in villages. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Chhattisgarh have the poorest areas. 43% of the poor belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe categories, as per World Bank statistics (2016). This disparity needs immediate attention of the government.

Despite the World Poverty Clock claims of decline in poverty, the pandemic has made all all such predictions go wrong according to Pew Research Center there has been a significant decline of almost 32 million in the middle class due to the Pandemic in the country. The report also brings light on how the year of the pandemic has increased the number of poor (living on $2 or less) to have doubled from 59 million to 134 million.

Pollution

Pollution and environmental issues are the other challenges that India is facing at present. Though India is working hard, there is a long way to go. Degradation of land, depleting natural resources, and loss of biodiversity are the main issues of concern due to pollution. Untreated sewerage is the major cause of water pollution. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are today two of the most polluted rivers in India. Same is the condition of other rivers that pass through populated cities. Additionally, increasing construction and vehicular traffic also contribute to pollution in the cities. India needs to embark on a model of sustainable development.

According to the World Air Quality report published in 2021, Three Indian cities (Bhiwadi, Ghaziabad and New Delhi) featured in the Top most polluted cities in the World. This stat is scary enough and requires government to take quick actions and not gamble with the health of the citizens.

Women’s Safety

Both men and women enjoy equal opportunities, but as far as freedom and safety of women are concerned, India lags behind. Issues like domestic violence, rape, the portrayal of women in media, etc., must be tackled immediately.

Infrastructure

India needs to work swiftly on its infrastructure development, towards better roads, affordable housing and services like water, sanitation, primary healthcare, etc. According to the Union budget 2021, the government has allocated Rs 233,083 crore to enhance the transport infrastructure. Adding to this, Government of India is also expanding the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and is expected to invest $1 trillion to boost the infrastructure.

Unemployment

Unemployment, nowadays, is very common among the youth. This situation is also known as joblessness. Moreover, it is a set of circumstances where an able-bodied person is willingly searching for a job but is not able to find it. We can calculate the percentage of unemployed people prevalent in the economy by dividing it with the number of individuals currently present in the labour force. The government of India must take the necessary steps to eradicate it by creating more government and public sector job opportunities. Also, it needs to support private sector industry that could provide jobs to the ones who really deserve it. As per the Centre for monitoring Indian Economy data, the rate of unemployment has touched 8.10% in February 2022. This rate of unemployment is high for a country like India. If not tackled immediately, it will become a challenge for our society and economy.

Agricultural Distress

India is a country which is widely famous for its agriculture throughout the world. But the sad plight of our country lies in the fact that here farmers face too many problems. Such as lack of basic amenities of irrigation systems, agricultural implements and short or long-term loans. The exploitation of farmers at the hands of moneylenders is a very prominent and common issue that immediately needs to be looked into. Stories of farmers committing suicide appear in the media almost every day. As per the India economic survey 2018, the estimated data states that the percentage of agricultural workers in the total workforce is likely to drop up to 25.7% by 2050 from 58.2% in 2001. Therefore, agriculture needs to be revived at the earliest.

The rise in Global Protectionism

India is still in its developing phase, on the way to becoming a developed nation. Our country is enthusiastically overcoming each and every challenge coming across its way. Some of the grievances listed by India against developed countries such as the US are the problems encountered by the exporters of IT services, and tariffs imposed on the exports of products like steel and aluminium by the US. The US has also imposed sanctions on the purchase of crude oil from Iran, which is likely to hamper the Indian economy and increase its import bill. Moreover, India faces a constant threat of tariffs from many countries, and pressure to open up its domestic market. Therefore, the newly formed government must take necessary steps to protect the interests of India from foreign powers, that are constantly interfering in all spheres.

To conclude, the government of India needs to create an ecosystem that enables private investments, increased consumption, the competitiveness of exports and swift infrastructural investment. These steps can catapult India to the status of a global superpower that it rightly deserves.

India prime minister is not a polictcal man he his business man

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maheshwarikrishna · 3 years ago

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Water, sanitation and hygiene

Worldwide more than 2.2 billion people need access to reliably maintained drinking water services and around 4.2 billion people lack securely maintained sanitation services. Improving sanitation is a key priority of the government which has begun several flagship programmes including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to clean India. Unsafe hygiene manners are general in India complicating the effects on people’s health especially to the ones who are unaware of all the diseases caused by following practices that are unethical and unhygienic. The result of child death rates is devastating with more than 297000 children under five who die yearly from diarrhoeal diseases due to poor hygiene, poor cleanliness, or unsafe drinking water. Every day, 6,000 children die due to waterborne diseases in India. Young children have low immunity and are the first to get sick and die from waterborne and sanitation-related disease including diarrhoeal diseases and malaria.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". SDG 6 promotes a comprehensive approach to good health and well being. (Targets and Goals of SDG6: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6). Some Top NGOs like Child Help Foundation (CHF), support treatments to the ones who need urgent medical treatment, initiate programmes and promotes activities which are aligned to the UN SDG goals. Child Help Foundation support campaigns and organizations working in this domain and appeal to people in assisting us in making India a “Hygiene focused nation”. Child Help Foundation has facilitated the construction of 71 toilets and 61 urinals in 21 schools across India; RO water purifiers have also been installed in 12 schools. CHF promotes sanitation activities through the ongoing wellness, health and education programs and continues even after the completion of toilet construction. They consider the program to be successful only if water, sanitation, and hygiene services are sustainable beyond the duration of the program. The sustainability of the activities is possible only through active, effective engagement activities between the stakeholders and beneficiaries. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential but often underplayed elements of the prevention and control of several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This pandemic(COVID19) has taught us that a simple hygiene practice if neglected can cause such trouble around the world. Even such small activity like washing hands is so important and should not be avoided at any cost. “Hygiene” refers to practices by which people manage or improve good health by keeping themselves and their habitat clean. Even in our modern society, good sanitation practices continue to be the main disease-prevention strategy. Hygiene is one of the silent victories of public health. Access to clean and safe water plus enough sanitation, together with good hygiene practices, can reduce the spreading of some NTDs, for example, trachoma and intestinal worms. Trachoma is transmitted by flies, fomites (e.g. skin, hair, clothing, or bedding) and direct contact. Trachoma can be prevented through the access to clean and safe water, proper hygiene practices that support face washing, and access to clean and proper sanitation facilities for the disposal of human waste. Intestinal worms, which affect nearly 900 million people worldwide, is most prevalent in communities where people have inadequate access to toilets and handwashing facilities.

Drinking water every day is the most essential key to one's health and well being. The human body is composed of 60-71% of water. Water helps in functions of these bodily fluids and improves metabolism, absorption, digestion, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients between the cells, and maintenance of body temperature.

Clean water helps in keeping the body temperature normal and hydrated. It Lubricates and cushions joints and protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. Water also helps in getting rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Child Help Foundation ensures that the toilets built by them have some kind of management to ensure that they continue to be clean after the usage by keeping it hygienic and odour-free. In the case of school premises, it requires combined efforts of school teachers, students and parents. The maintenance plan comprises a toilet kit maintained by school administration where they are constructed. Child Help Foundation encourages the students and community people on the use of toilets regularly and creates enough awareness of the sanitation and hygiene components. Oaths are taken by students to keep the toilets clean.

Without developed sanitation, people have no choice but to use inadequate public toilets or to practise open defecation. For women and girls, finding a spot to go to the toilet outdoor, often having to wait until the cover of darkness or before the sunrise, can leave them vulnerable to abuse and sexual assault. The practice of defecation before the sunrise is still followed in the rural areas which were one of the major talked topics after the movie release "Toilet: Ek prem Katha" (starring: Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pendekar) - the fact that these topics are essential to discuss out in public and then work on is one of the most important steps in creating a safe, hygienic place for the public especially women.Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an important aspect of sanitation and health for women and young girls. Despite being a critical issue concerning women and girls in the menstruating age group MHM is often neglected.Menstruation and menstrual practices still encounter many social, cultural, and religious limitations which are a big hurdle in the path of menstrual hygiene management. In many parts of the country particularly in rural areas, girls are not prepared and informed about menstruation so they face many difficulties and challenges at home, schools, and workplaces. Young girls in rural areas feel considerably safe and comfortable when there is a separate toilet for girls. This also reduces the absenteeism of girl students in the school and they can concentrate on studies and other regular school activities rather than being uncomfortable or being at the risk of ridicule.In the direct environment, the exposed faecal matter will be transferred back into people’s food and water resources, causing to spread serious diseases such as cholera. Beyond the area, the lack of sufficient waste disposal or sewerage methods can pollute ecosystems and add to disease each can become an epidemic.

In some parts of the world, there is little or no awareness of good hygiene practices and their role in reducing the spread of disease. However, it is usually the fact that even when people do have an understanding of good hygiene behaviour, they lack the sources like soap, safe water, clean and sanitized toilets and washing facilities. When the facilities are made available, it becomes even more critical to follow good hygiene practices to avoid the ill effects related to the lack of it.Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ( Collectively called WASH ) has got the benefits of avoiding dehydration and unhealthy immune systems. There is a wider positive impact on the socio-economic factors, especially for women and girls.Please go through: Link to get some insights into cases that have brought smiles in the lives of children and their families!

originally published by childhelpfoundation.in

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sunitasingh1 · 3 years ago

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Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

It is commonly stated that the cleanliness of one's environment is critical to one's health and well-being. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched by the Indian government on October 2nd, 2014, as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Swachata (cleanliness) was emphasized by Gandhiji because he sincerely believed it was the path to a healthy and prosperous life.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to clean up both rural and urban regions across India. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs would be in charge of the mission's urban component, while the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation would be in charge of the mission's rural component.

Urban Swachh Bharat Mission

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is in charge of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). The following are the areas of focus:

Construction of adequate toilet facilities

Management of Solid Waste

Public Awareness and Information and Education Communication (IEC)

Building Capacity

One of the key goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission is to educate people about cleanliness and sanitation. People will only pay attention to and follow sanitation standards once they are aware of the importance of cleanliness to a person's and society's health and well-being.

The programme also attempts to eliminate open defecation, manual scavenging, and instill in people a sense of fundamental cleanliness, among other things. Furthermore, it strives to build toilets in families, public toilets, and communal toilets in order to provide a sufficient number of facilities and to encourage people to develop a feeling of hygiene and sanitation. The initiative also intends to establish a solid waste management system in each municipality in order to instill a sense of cleanliness.

The following are some of the goals that have been set:

All statutory towns have received ODF+ accreditation. The acronym ODF stands for "Open Defecation Free Certification."

ODF++ certification for statutory towns with populations under 1 lakh.

Water+ certification is required in 50 percent of statutory towns with populations of less than 1 lakh people.

Three-star rating All statutory towns are garbage-free, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Star Rating Protocol for Garbage-Free Cities.

All legacy dumpsites are being bioremediation.

Gramin Swachh Bharat Mission

Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin is the name of the rural project, which is run by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The primary goal is to eliminate open defecation in the villages and adjacent areas. The programme also includes the provision of a solid and liquid waste management system in order to ensure a greater level of sanitation, hygiene, and, above all, cleanliness.

The programme intends to offer Individual Household Latrines to rural households, particularly those living below the poverty line. Furthermore, as part of the scheme, community toilets will be built. The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin initiative also ensures the availability of regular clean water for storing and other needs.

It is billed as the world's largest behavior change program, and it is going about it the correct way, with the goal of bringing about change at the grassroots level. When people are asked to participate in this program, a sense of responsibility is established in them, reminding them that they have a personal responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings and society.

Suggested Read: Recycling Waste Management System

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nageshchandramishra · 3 years ago

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Most Urgent: A Reminder to Hon. Prime Minister of India after 7 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission. Have we really succeeded self - retrospecting ourselves in front of Gandhi Ji , today on 02/10/2021 on Gandhi Jayanti Day 🇮🇳💐🕉Jai Hind 🕉💐🇮🇳👏❗️

"SWACHH BHARAT MISSION" ie Clean Revolution ?

( *Nagesh Chandra Mishra )

Subject : Can India's Dream of an "Open Defecation Free Country" Be Realized within 5 Years Time ? An Open Letter To the Honorable Prime Minister, Shree Narendra Modi.

Hon. Prime Minister Sir ,

Kindly, refer to my earlier letter dated 29-07-2014 written in Hindi on the above noted subject . ( Copy Enclosed )

Many of my friends requested to provide an English Transliteration of the Hindi Text that I knowingly delayed as was very keen to hear the PM's Independence Day Address to the Nation from the ramparts of Lalquila on August 15, 2014 .

Your excellent address has touched billion hearts dreaming of SWACHH BHARAT . Hence, this updating exercise .

Warm Congratulations , Sir, once again !

There is a sense of great admiration in the country & abroad on your Government's firm resolution as stated in the Address of the Hon. President of India during the first Joint Session of the Parliament :

"We must not tolerate the indignity of homes without toilets and public spaces littered with garbage. For ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation a “Swachh Bharat Mission” will be launched. This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019."

( Para 15 of the Presidential Address on June 9, 2014 )

The above commitment has been reaffirmed both by you & the Nation's Finance Minister in the Parliament ; as such , none of us are taking these lines lightly ; everyone , be your supporter or adversary, knows it vey well that when you "commit" something to yourself - not even you can defy it !

Like "Green Revolution", or "White Revolution" , is it the turn of "CLEAN REVOLUTION" in the country now ?

Is it easy to bring a Clean Revolution in our nation ?

The answer is ... both "YES" & "NO" !

Today's 'wise men' would just rush to begin with, 'it's not any Rocket Science' ?

It's easier to draw zig zag lines than to draw a straight line !

According to Bapu, who believed "SANITATION IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN INDEPENDENCE" , had said :

" The instruments for the quest of truth are as simple as they are difficult.

They may appear quite impossible to an arrogant person, and quite possible to an innocent child.

The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should be so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of truth. The dialogue between Vasishtha and Vishvamitra makes this abundantly clear. Christianity and Islam also amply bear it out."

( Courtesy : " My Experiments With Truth " by M.K. Gandhi )

Resp. Prime Minister Sir !

Does Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan ( the erstwhile Total Sanitation Campaign ) being implemented by the Central & State Governments justify the 'skill,scale & speed' of your commitment ? It was during the first NDA Govt. led by Sri Atal Bihari Bajpayee when Sanitation sector was given due importance almost after five decades since independence & accordingly , the Department of Drinking Water Supply ( & Sanitation, ) launched Total Sanitation Campaign in 1998-99 with great fanfare . The seriousness with which it began , the initial 5-6 years gave the impression as if the Millennium Development Goals pertaining to Environmental Sustainability ( No. 7 of MDG ) indicators would be achieved at faster growth so that India would be an 'Open Defecation Free' Country by 2015 ; but, as the time rolled on, the steam started simmering & we lost the 'meaning' - now, it has completely gone in 'Slip Back Mode' like any other Water program of the Govt., though with a difference - prior to 1998-99, the allotment in the Sanitation sector was negligible , but during the last 15 years till date approx. 15 Billion Rupees of allocations have been pumped through by the govt. most of which has either been wasted or swindled by unscrupulous elements - If immediate remedial measures are not taken, it would open the pandora box of one more serious scam than what we saw during the execution of Ganga Action Plan some decades ago !

I won't like to indulge in citing numerous statistical data to drive home the point - Census of India 2011( Houses, Household Amenities & Assets 'LATRINE FACILITIES', Table 1 & 2 ) &

Day-to-day Progress Report hosted on the official website of the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation are testimonies to the paradoxical vast gap between the Truth & the Hype , ie % of Toilet Usage vs. % of Toilets constructed ( Barring some exceptions in a few performing states like Kerela , Sikkim, Tripura etc. )

It is high time when we must 'revisit' the entire Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan afresh so that Swachh Bharat Mission can be achieved in a perfect 'mission mode' within the stipulated time frame .

This requires a clean 'bottoms up' of our own mindset ( Courtesy : Ashtavakra Geeta ) - something unique that can be emulated from one such simple example :

Once during my childhood, I told my mother ,

Ma, "KACHARAWALA" has come ;

My mother replied ,

' My son! in fact , we are KACHARAWALA -

& He is SAFAIWALA '

( courtesy : Sri Narendra Modi )

Summing up , in the words of PG Wodehouse ,

" We need dynamite to dislodge an idea that has set in public mind ."

Taking cue from Kenopanishad's Shlokas , "Yasya Matam Tasya Matam..." , meaning thereby , "

' He who thinks he knows It not, knows It. He who thinks he knows

It, knows It not. The true knowers think they can never know It

(because of Its infinitude), while the ignorant think they know '

- in all humility, I would suggest some remedial measures after learning from failures -some are of generic nature & some specific ones that can't be viewed in isolation .

1) AN IMMEDIATE NEED OF INTEGRATED PLANNING :

" Conceive Optimistically ;

Plan Pessimistically ;

Execute Optimistically ."

( Courtesy : Kazuo Inamori - ' A Compass to Fulfillment ' )

As per Millennium Development Goals ( MDG ) , we have set a

Goal to Ensure Environmental Sustainability; &

accordingly, our Target is ,

" Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources." ( Courtesy : MDG Goal No. 7 & Target 9 )

But , alas ! our Country's main Planning Institutions have converted themselves into Kubla Khan's Pleasure Domes ( courtesy : ST Coleridge's famous Poem, Kubla Khan ) ! These "Think Tanks" need immediate revamping (as the newspaper reports suggest , probably, you too are thinking on the same lines & now is evident also from your Address to the Nation on India's 67th Independence day Anniversary .

These days, an advertisement of a branded diamond catches

my imagination in which an old man presents a diamond ring to his old loving wife on her anniversary - on this, the old lady quips smilingly & asks, why such costly ring at the sunset of her life ... & the husband replies, " Diamond Knows Not one's Age " ! Accordingly, our Land, Water, Habitat etc. , all our inexhaustible resources , need an 'ageless integrated planning diamond ring' of Environmental Sustainability .

Focusing on various Development Programs of our country, whether Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan,National Rural Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Schemes, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, MNREGA, JnURM, so on & so forth , every Program preach Community Participation, Inter-sectoral Coordination & Convergence as per Govt. Guidelines , but that happens on papers only ... the ground reality is quite different . As such unless we drastically combine them together into an Integrated Planning System without compartmentalizing & dissecting them into urban, rural etc. etc. - no oasis of 'smart cities ' can sustain & coexist in harmony to hold 'SAB KA SAATH SAB KA VIKAS' ?

( the story of MATSYAVATAAR can be an eye opener for we Indians )

Prime Minister Sir, during every morning stroll , when I breathe the rotten smell coming out from the heaps of garbage littered on lanes & roads of my city , I am reminded of your high thinking mother's words : from your imagination of 'High Speed Bullet Trains' , one small ray of hope starts beaming in the eyes of we 'chhote Log with chhoti si aasha' ( ordinary people having very small aspirations ) ... dreaming of a network of low speed mini trains or mini trams too that may help in disposing off all our daily garbage to some appropriate safe sanitary landfills ! Covering up of our deep environmental wounds with populist 'silken bands' cannot heal the real ailment .

Alvin Toffler , the great thinker & writer , in the foreword of Nobel Prize Winners' Ilya Prigogine & Stangers masterpiece , " Order Out of Chaos " , has said:

" One of the most highly developed skills in contemporary Western civilization is dissection: the split-up of problems into their smallest possible components . We are good at it . So good, we often forget to put the pieces back together again . " The Britishers have gone back , but the British Colonial Administrative System still rules the Nation . Perhaps, that's why , Lord Curzon , had once said, "Indian Bureaucracy is the strongest bureaucratic machine in the world that cannot be corrected or controlled even by viceroys" !

For 'Vote Bank' Politics ,every Govt. of the day remains silent on 'demographic avalanche' ( an idiom coined by Alduous Huxley ) with full knowledge that such ad hoc bureaucratic development balloons , in no time , would turn the entire country into millions of "slum dog habitats" - in spite of all that our endless misadventure goes on & on like a Hindi song : "Manzil kahan le jayegi ... Maaloom Nahin..... ? "

After results of LOK SABHA 2014 , when the moment of Truth came & the nation with bated breadth was expecting a huge smooth transitional change breaking from the past on the eve of the first Budget Speech itself of the newly formed govt. , the Finance Minister, Sri Arun Jaitley ji seemed too ordinary & cautious to change , probably, due to 'Law of Mental Inertia' . Optimists like us haven't been disheartened though & would wait till Feb.28, 2015 .

Later than this may be too late to change the 'colonial mindset' of this new Govt.

I don't understand why our great planners overlook "Vedic Thumb Rule of Developmental Life Cycle based on the sound principles of Environmental Sustainability" as depicted in the following Sutras of Atharva Veda :

PASHYEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have VISION for Hundred Years ) ।।1।।

JEEVEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have LIFE for Hundred Years ) ।।2।।

BUDDHYEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have INTELLECT for Hundred Years ) ।।3।।

ROHEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have GROWTH for Hundred Years ) ।।4।।

PUSHEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have NOURISHMENT for Hundred Years)।।5।।

BHOOYEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have PURITY forHundred Years)।।6।

BHAVEM SHARADAH SHATAM ( May we have SUSTAINABILITY for Hundred Years ) ।।7।।

BHOOYASEE SHARADAH SHATAAT ( May , then, we SURVIVE till Eternity ) ।।8।।

In short : VISION, LIFE, INTELLECT, GROWTH, NOURISHMENT, PURITY & then SUSTAINABILITY - all for 100 Years lead to the Ultimate SURVIVAL till Eternity !

( * Atharva Veda , Section 19, Sukta 67 )

Swami Vivekananda's concept of SANAATAN DHARMA's Soul ( or, Universal Religion ) dwells in the above Sutras . And, perhaps, it also reflects Maharshi Aurobindo's vision of Supra-mental Consciousness .

Vedas, Upanishads & our Epics are testimony to the fact that India's Civilization & Ancient Education System prior to the advent of British Rule was amongst the best in the world . ( courtesy : Lord Macaulay's Address to the British Parliament on 2nd February, 1835 )

But , alas.... ! India's Five Year Plan that fails to foresee even 20 - Span "Life Cycle" ( 100 Years ) of Sustainable Development , can we expect from them to wipe out 20- fathom deep tears of the Nation through the hallucinations of 20-point Program ?

Now, coming back on the topic of Health, Hygiene & Sanitation related responsibilities , even if we go back to the India's civilization prevailing during Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro (2600 B.C. - 1900 B.C.) periods , there is evidence of wet toilets prevailing even during those times - which were connected to underground drainage system lined with burnt clay bricks . ( Courtesy : Wikipedia ) .

Since the last 2500 years , Kautilya's Arthashastra have been speaking volumes of our commitment to Hygiene & Cleanliness ,but we have chosen to overlook & ignore them. Severe punishments for defiling Environment have been prescribed , some of such glaring examples , are as follows :

Hygiene & Sanitation

related Offences Punishment as per Kautilya's

Arthashastra

Not having adequate rain water drainage 12 panas ( 3.8.23 )

Causing damage by letting urine or dung collect 24 panas ( 3.8.22. )

Throwing dirt on the road 1/8 pana ( 2.36.26 )

Blocking it with mud & water 1/4 pana

Throwing dirt on the highway 1/4 pana (2.36.27 )

Blocking it with mud & water 1/2 pana

For using as a urinal/ latrine As urinal As latrine ( 2.36.28 )

A holy place 1/2 pana 1 pana

A water reservoir 1 pana 2 panas

A temple 1& 1/2 p 2 panas

A royal building 2 panas 4 panas

Likewise, strict regulations are provided in Kautilya's Arthashastra not only for the protection of environment , but for an all round development of the Nation .

When we compare 2500 Years old these Laws ( a glimpse of which is prescribed above in Kautilya's Arthashastra ) with the latest Legal provisions prevailing today even in some of the most developed parts of the world ( from Britain to USA to Singapore ) , we may come to the conclusion that India doesn't need to blindly follow any imported self- derogatory "Sectoral Reform" lessons ; what we need is a mass upsurge of self- belief in ourselves to recreate "Cultural Renaissance based on Swami Vivekanand's concept of universal religion" keeping pace with the modern times . It is generally believed that Nation's Pride & Honor of Kautilyan Era didn't deteriorate so fast even during later centuries prior to the advent of Lord Macaulay's British India that systematically sapped our Self-esteem breaking the Psyche of the Nation into two unequal pieces viz. Rulers & Ruled ; they also created 'Indian cronies' to align with them - lethal combination of this elite class having less than 10% in numbers 'who ate Angreziyat , played Angreziyat & slept Angreziyat' - called as "Sahebs" ( or, Huzoor Mai-Baap ) ruled over the rest 90% common people known as "Raiyats" .

Comparing their Hygiene-related habits , while the first category had natural access to their choices of Toilets & Restrooms , the rest were left to practice "Call of Nature" ( perhaps, to amply prove " Habit is Second Nature "). I tried my best to find how the word, "Call of Nature" originated - I couldn't find , but the dictionary.com suggests , this idiom originated during 1850-55 - the same period when Lord Macaulay 's prescription of breaking the backbone of India's spiritual heritage was at its best !

( Only the Psychological Aspects have been touched here - as regards the Sociological & Technological Aspects, the readers may refer to other sources )

Sadly, the same "Huzoor Mai-Baap" culture rules over more than a billion souls even after 67 years since independence - Govt. is , now, in the changed role of "DAATA" ( in disguise of 'Facilitator' ) who perceive the People as "PAATA" ( Beneficiaries ) keeping Lord Macaulay still alive in the form of "SARKAR" downsizing the rest as 'BHIKHAARI' ( Beggars ) !

Can we ever get back our Self-Esteem as 'One Nation'?

Can we recreate the competitive crowning glory of India's Cultural Renaissance ??

Can we have 'ACHHE DIN' or Tipping Point ???

Yes, we can !!!

2) ACHHE DIN or Tipping Point :

How little things can bring Big Changes & how efforts of a handful of exceptional people can create History is not an unknown subject . But , how effective that can be - was known to me in details after reading Malcolm Gladwell's masterpiece "Tipping Point" .

The Tipping Point is the biography of an idea that may bring mysterious changes in everyday life spreading as fast as Social Epidemics . Malcolm Gladwell has described about some Rules of the Tipping Point viz. Law of the Few, Stickiness Factor & Power of Context, or Broken Window Theory that may be effective for bringing out rapid Behavioral Changes .

I won't quote examples cited in Malcolm Gladwell's 'Tipping Point' except one that caught my imagination ,

" ..... If you peed in the street , you were going to jail ...."

- this was told by New York City Administration in 1994 when the brilliant team of Rudolf Giuliani as Mayor & Bratton , the Police Chief applied the strategy to crack down on QUALITY OF LIFE Crimes to step up enforcement of the laws . Minor, seemingly insignificant Quality of Life related crimes brought dramatic improvement in the Law & Order of the City .

Prime Minister Sir !

Who can forget the mind blowing sad incident of ' 27 October 2013 Gandhi Maidan,Patna Blast ' when the first culprit of Terrorists' Gang was captured from a Toilet Complex situated at a Platform of Patna Jn. Railway Station that led to solve the mystery of larger conspiracy ? ( isn't it a symbolic Providence from DEVAALAYA to SHAUCHALAYA )

I want to emphasize that :

Improving "Quality Of Life" is Exponentially proportional to the improvement in Law & Order Situation' .

There are some 'defining moments' in History when such small changes led to Big movements ; to cite few such examples :

---- "No Mosquitoes , No Flys ..." -like Cultural Revolution & " 2 Children, or 1 Child Norm.." etc. in China may have some own drawbacks , but who can deny how these changes contributed to dramatic development of China as one of the strongest nations of the world.

---- Ideas of Dr. Norman Borlaug & Dr. Swaminathan with help of other eminent agricultural scientists brought "Green Revolution" in India .

---- Brilliance of Dr. Kurien's Team contributed to the success of cooperative movement in milk production known as "White Revolution" .

---- It would not be out of place to cite a recent such example of BJP's 'Mission 272+' for LOK SABHA 2014 led by a "CHAI WALA" s able team that contributed to an unexpected success during this 'coalition politics era' that stunned all political pundits !

Prime Minister Sir,

Since day 1 of the new NDA Govt. , your every action is under scanner - may it be your commitment to a corruption-free government , India's foreign policy , legislative businesses , appointment of honest persons ( like Sri Nripendra Mishra etc. ) at key positions even after facing so many odds .

All these welcome moves raise a hope of a Better Work Culture carved in 'Mission Mode' Time Frame .

But , it also poses some valid questions in our 'ignited minds' viz.

IN WHAT WAY THIS NEW "SWACHH BHARAT MISSION" SHALL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONGOING 'NIRMAL BHARAT ABHIYAN', NBA ( or the erstwhile, Sampoorn Swachhata Abhiyan , TSC ) ?

Shall it be 'the same wine in a new bottle' ??

Shall 'Making Undue Haste' Prove 'Another Waste' like ' LAMHON NE KHATAA KI THI , SADIYON NE SAZA PAAI' ???

Suffixing or Prefixing the word, "MISSION" to a Great idea or organization is not sufficient to realize a Mission .

In what way Thousands of existing "Sanitation & Water Missions" ( & Committees ) known as "PRAKALP " since decades right from the Centre to States to Districts to Villages across the country from Top to Bottom eg Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission; State Water & Sanitation Mission ( SWSM & SWSC ) ;District Water & Sanitation Mission ( DWSM & DWSC ) ; Village Water & Sanitation Mission ( VWSM & VWSC ) - all carrying out a 'tireless mission' to make India an "Open Defecation Free" Country since 1998 - in 'slipping & sliding back mode' -

Shall Do Something Very Different This Time in 2014 to complete "SWACHH BHARAT MISSION" by October 2 , 2019 ????

To achieve such missions within a definite time frame, we need some 'Non- Negotiable Instruments' like ,

"AMANTRAM AKSHARAM NAASTI,

NAASTI MOOLAM NA AUSHADHAM ।

AYOGYAH PURUSHO NAASTI -

YOJAKSTEN DURBHALAM ।।"

ie , " No Alphabet is without some capability to form a mantra ( every alphabet contributes in making Shlokas ) , No root or shrub is without some medicinal qualities ( every root & shrub has some medicinal quality ) ; likewise, NO PERSON IS INCOMPETENT - but,

RARE IS A CO-ORDINATOR WHO KNOWS EXACTLY HOW TO MIX THEM PROPERLY ". ( Courtesy : From some Sanskrit Text taught by my elder brother ) .

This is the Basics of all Missions & Managements .

How to work in a "Mission Mode' ? Mother Teresa , in an inter-personal communication during my early days in Govt. , had advised ,

" Always try to be Truthful ; & Do Not Conceal Truth while on a Mission even at the stake of inviting undesired personal hazards - the Almighty is there to save such truthful persons".

Clean Revolution without the means of 'SWACHH TAN- SWACHH MAN- SWACHH DHAN' ( purest Mix of Mind, Body & Soul ) cannot justify the ends of SWACHH BHARAT MISSION .

" SWACHH BHARAT MISSION ", therefore, is in need of a fresh 'Revisit' incorporating :-

----- An Integrated " RURBAN ( Rural + Urban ) Planning for 20-Span "Life Cycle" of Five Year Plan ( ie the Next 100 Years )

incorporating 8-fold Mantra ( " PASHYEM SHARADAH SHATAM ........" ) as described above ( *Atharva Veda, Section 19, Sukta 67 ) .

The New envisaged Apex Planning Institution ( which is likely to be replaced by the existing Planning Commission ) may kindly think to have a LOGO of the ' Vision ' conceived on this 8- fold Atharva Ved Mantra for fulfilling all the "Missions" based on the principles of An Integrated Sustainable Development ;

----- Immediate Legislation through extending & restructuring the scope of

PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT AS MANUAL SCAVENGERS AND THEIR REHABILITATION ACT, 2013

Through the Rehabilitation of a huge network of Lakhs of Manual Scavengers as "SAFAI SAINIKS" !

For realizing SWACHH BHARAT MISSION within the stipulated time . 'SAFAI SAINIKS '

must be an integral part of all the Missions to be constituted from Centre to Villages ( no intermediary or NGOs should be allowed to represent them ) ;

----- "If you peed on the road, you are either going to jail or / and fine or / and 3 months compulsory deployment as "Open SWACHHATA Prisoners " like legislation a must ;

Such an integrated Swachh Bharat Mission may prove 'Cutting Edge' for an exponentially improved Law & Order Situation not only in cities, towns & villages but even in & around disturbed Border/ Naxal-inflected areas of our country . This may create an effective 'community policing' consisting of Rag Pickers, Destitute 'Slum Dog Arjun Baghmares' ( the chaiwala child hero of the Hindi film, 'HAWA-HAWAII' ) .

The country is in dire need of some very effective "Radical Pragmatism" ( courtesy : J. Roth )

------- GoI Guidelines on Water & Sanitation pose more "Problems" than "Appropriate Solutions " . The List of Habitations & Problem Villages for water sector are based on imaginary & fuzzy ground realities being 'top owed' since Seventies by GoI & States . They are neither Truthful , nor have any scientifically measurable indicators to match Census Data of Revenue Villages .

Ongoing Practice of furnishing Component - wise Progress Reports of NBA or TSC ( Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan or Total Sanitation Campaign ) in numbers or percentage must be done away immediately as they lack accountability & transparency - in their place an effective monitoring & evaluation system based on 'Binary Scale of 0 & 1' ( 0 even if all components constructed -but not in proper use on consistent basis ; & 1 only when these assets created are in actual use & have been been adopted as consistent way of life by users ) - proper & effective such verification mechanism must be evolved for SWACHH BHARAT MISSION without losing precious time .

Now, when every household has got to be covered with proper sanitation & water facilities , simple scientifically measurable methodology needs to be put in place that may "cross check" water coverage with sanitation coverage for better monitoring & evaluation & also for curbing rampant corruption & manipulation . Govt. may think to avail of the services of international bodies like Water Integrity Network ( Transparency International etc. ) in consultation with Comptroller & Auditor General of India ( CAG ) for such purposes .

------ Some 40 years ago , one of my senior colleagues used to mock all Govt. Engineers with sarcasm by calling them "4 feet into 4 feet" creature - he meant our narrow minds - even till today I fail to understand why only 4 ft. by 4 ft. size toilets & other such narrow technological options are there for NBA or TSC ?

And, if so due to lack of space -- then,why not inventing "VACCUM FLUSHING TOILETS" like we find in aero planes & AIRBUS " ??

Likewise, I am never convinced by 'SULABH' Concept of "RURAL PAN" ! "Rural Pan" word irks me ; Can Pan India's 'Bumpkins' have no right to aspire for "Glamour rooms" - is it reserved only for Urbanized Antilias ?

And, if so for 'wise water policy', why not 'Wash Basin on the Top of Flush Tank as in Japan' to save wastage of water ??

There are many such small unsolved 'Rubrics Cubes' being overlooked by GoI's blue eyed Idea Crushers viz. "Bosses", "Big Mouths" & "The Subject Matter Experts" unless they are put together in a "Quarantine Group" by some Divine Charmer's 'Brain Steering' like that of yours !

( Courtesy : BRAIN STEERING : A Better Approach To Breakthrough Ideas, By

Kevin P. Coyne & Shawn T. Coyne )

Hon. Prime Minister , Sir !

The organizational structure , duties & assignments of Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Govt. of India "ARE PROGRAMMED" in such a way that ministers & bureaucrats would be coming & going , they shall never do things differently - they would continue to do the same set of things till eternity .

( The Agenda Notes for the Review Meetings of State Secretaries are testimony to these facts )

By & large, the situation in the States are no different .

The abstract of all these Review Meetings are focused on very limited purposes, "How much Allotment - How much Expenditure - How much Requirement- Give the Time Frame" etc. etc.

As such, I earnestly appeal you to monitor all the Review Meetings related to SWACHH BHARAT MISSION yourself - only then,you can fulfill Bapu's dreams of Clean India . Otherwise , Days, Months , Years & Decades Would continue to be wasted in playing such "ANTAKSHARI"s ( time pass ) as we have seen during the implementation of NBA/TSC .

( Here, it is worth mentioning that you , in your Independence Day speech , have urged all MPs to 'donate' their one year's allotted funds for School Sanitation . As the Records would speak for themselves - Department of Drinking Water Supply & Department of Human Resources Development had already allotted FULL FUNDS 'Dovetailing' Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan with School Sanitation , then why these MP's Funds again ? It raises suspicion that Funds Allotted for the purpose of School Sanitation previously have either been wasted,looted or plundered .

It's another matter how these 'public funds' have copyright of 'MP's Funds' - thanks to the then PM, PV Narasimha Rao's brilliance to 'allure MPs' through institutionalizing Bribe in disguise for saving Govt. in Power ! )

------ Nirmal Gram Puraskar - like great incentives have already boomeranged on us & have failed to serve the basic purpose of encouraging PRIs & NGOs to boost Nirmal BHARAT Abhiyan . Most of these Villages & Panchayats have 'Slipped back' from 'NGP's Awardees' to 'Back to Square Ones' Photoshops .

This reminds me a prophetic word by an eminent 'futurologist' friend from Maharashtra who had cautioned a decade ago at the very outset, " Very soon, you shall find 'Many more Merchants of Wastes minting 'Gold' from Human Excreta through the 'Paras Mani' ( The Touchstone ) of Nirmal Gram Puraskars ! Any such allurement , in my view , may prove too dangerous .

You could have integrated your "JAN-DHAN " Yojna into "SWACHH TAN-MAN-DHAN YOJNA" to promote "PURE HEALTH-WEALTH-EDUCATION" with a single stroke of your mighty pen to awake "JAN GAN MAN " of India for a Clean Revolution !

Can you do it , Sir , even now ?

-------- All GOI & State Guidelines Preach Community Participation & Behavioral Change but seldom Practice at their own Workplace . Charity must Begin , at least, in all Govt. Offices first, right from PMO to BDO's Offices .

Usually, most offices of developed nations ( With an exception of India's Govt. Offices ) have ultra modern Toilet Blocks for Men & Women ( like we find at Airports,or other such work places of WHO, Unicef, World Bank etc. ) ...... but India's "Sahebs" , right from PMO to BDOs have their own 'Private Toilets situated adjacent to their Office Cabins'. These 'Sahebs' have their own 'private doors' who seldom like to participate along with their subordinate staffs to use 'Commoner's Toilet Blocks' - such 'superiority complexes' Must Go at once !

Therefore, SWACHH BHARAT MISSION Must Have Mandatory Provision that "No Saheb - Big or Small, Shall Have the luxury of having access to any Private Toilet attached to their Office Chamber" - all such existing 'Saheb's Toilets' must be done away immediately converting those spaces for other meaningful purposes & suitable ultramodern toilet blocks for 'He' & 'Her' should be put in place to start & practice 'Community Fissions' in every 'Saheb's mindset !!

This one small change of Habit amongst all the Govt. high ups at their Workplaces ( including Legislative, Executive & Judiciary ) shall 'Kickstart' them to practice Mahatma Gandhi's ethos of 'Be the Change You Want to Change' inspiring Billion Souls for a Clean Revolution through out the Nation .

And, if the Govt. shirks, laughs , raises eyebrows & summarily reject to come forward leading from front, no God on Earth can come to make happen SWACHH BHARAT even in 100 Years more time ie. by 2nd October, 2119 !

------- Journey is a way of Learning. While on journey in trains during morning hours , we may always enchant ourselves by enjoying picturesque scenes of vast open fields surrounded by moving trees, bushes & 'Open Defecators ' across the lengths & breadths of India's vast railway network . Bigger the ailway junction, Greater the density of Open Defecators near the Outer Signals all along the railway tracks !

If 'Repulsion is the surer test of magnetism' , the Magnitude of Open Defecation near the outer signals of railway tracks can be "Remote Sensors" for SWACHH BHARAT MISSION .

So far, several Railway Journeys during morning hours from Pallakad to Thiru Anananthapuram seldom could find 'open Defecators ' unlike we find in many other regions .

Utilizing 'Outer Signals' , TV & Mobile Towers, High Mast Lamp posts etc. fitted with ultramodern electronic gadgets & CCTV Cameras to track & control Quality of Life related crimes in synergy with SWACHH BHARAT MISSION may prove very beneficial .

Similar Ideas of developing Innovative Monitoring Systems through utilizing the vast infrastructure across the Lanes , Roads & Highways, Waterways & Airways can bring about revolutionary changes in improving the precarious Quality of Life related problems .

------- HRD/ IEC / Capacity Building funds meant for Nirmal BHARAT Abhiyan ( or, TSC ) are being misused blatantly by the ministers, bureaucrats & other govt. functionaries etc. to serve their one selfish purposes ( we have seen some exceptions also like Raghuvansh Babu, the then Minister of Rural Development , GoI who always used to discourage the bad practice of spending huge funds on govt. advertisements with Ministers' photos etc. ) .

Outsourcing professionals & NGOs to carry out NBA/ TSC tasks in unscrupulous manners have created cartels of 'Babus, Netas, Dadas, Jholas & Thailas' ( names coined by the former Central Vigilance Commissioner , Sri N Vittal who described 'Five Elements of Corruption' consisting mainly of Bureaucrats, Politicians, Criminals, NGOs & Businessmen )

in a big way right from top to bottom of the system .

------- Reputed international bodies like Unicef, WSP , World Bank , DFID , SIDA , DANIDA, WHO, Global Sanitation Fund, USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation etc. have always been keen to work as 'catalysts' for achieving the common goals of MDG . UNICEF has been working with Govt. since inception of all our water & sanitation programs - their excellent professional inputs used to be the focal point 'once upon a time' , which , in recent years have deteriorated , perhaps , due to growing 'bureaucratization' of their own system .

There is lack of coordination amongst these 'good Samaritans' with Govt. departments - 'too many cooks spoil the pot' like such situations create great chaos & confusion to achieve our goals .

There are many such areas having tremendous scope for improvement .

3) "MINIMUM GOVERNMENT , MAXIMUM GOVERNANCE" :-

Prime Minister, Sir !

Your catchy slogan of "Minimum Govt. , Maximum Governance' has inspired all of us . It has aroused hope that you are determined to curb huge colossal 'Tragedy of Waste'. If we sum up in late Nani Palkhivala's words,

" The tragedy of India today is is the tragedy of waste - waste of manpower , waste of industrial capacity , waste of talent & experience which can be harnessed to great national purposes . More than half of our laws & national policies seem to be well calculated to ensure the perpetuation of such waste . "

( Courtesy : "We, the People " by N. A. Palkhivala )

We do have full faith in your 'ignited innovative mind' but a Prime Minister of the largest democracy in the world surrounded by people with the maxim of "MERA KYA , MUJHE KYA"- monsters are always muscling like KALIYA NAAGS ( Cobras ) in today's coalition era & 'vote bank' politics . As such, you need such divine power of Lord Krishna's calibre to curb & minimize such evils for a longer period of time . May the Almighty bless you to overpower such 'RAKT BEEZ' ( Cancerous Corrupt System ) sooner than we are imagining !

According to Dr. Vimal Jalan , the great economist & former RBI Governor, it requires an expenditure of Rs. 3.35 for Govt. to reach Rs. 1.00 in rural sector .

This reminded us of the ground realities studied by Dr. NC Saxena , the renowned administrator & former Secretary , Ministry of Rural Development , GoI :

" The Government of India transfers close to 6.5 lakh crore every year to the States. If even half of it was to be sent to the seven crore poor families directly by money order, they would receive more than 130 a day! "

( Courtesy : "Administrative Reforms for Better Governance" by Dr. NC Saxena )

Likewise , when we think in objectivity how much govt. money have been allocated in water & sanitation sector & how judiciously the expenditures have been made by the Govt. Functionaries , one can very well conclude that by this time , all BPL families would have been fully covered with proper water & sanitation facilities in a sustainable way by themselves had all those allocations would have transferred directly to the individual households in cash for labour & material components viz. pipes, hand pumps , bricks, cement , water closets etc. with the ' minimum facilitation ' by the government as being done by private mobile operators !

Can such arrangements be 'implementable' in a smooth manner by cutting govt. expenditure without inviting much ire from the existing corrupt & inefficient chain of bureaucratic system of governance ? Such 'Chicken & Egg' - like Catch 22 syndrome has got to be solved for the sake of 'Bottom of the Pyramid'

( it's though another matter that such 'divine wisdom' come to govt. servants only after their retirement )

"The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid" is a revolutionary idea invented by Dr. C.K. Prahalad & seems fulfilling the ethos of 'Minimum Government , Maximum Governance" .

It is an important and insightful work showing persuasively how the private sector can be put at the center of development , not as a rhetorical flourish but as a real engine of jobs & services for the poor .

It is an idea of Inclusive Capitalism . Lokmanya Tilak , in Geeta Rahasya , has articulated how necessary it is for every citizen to prosper by earning white money - only then, the whole nation can be strong . According to Dr. CK Prahalad, 80% Poor people who are at the Bottom of the Pyramid are NOT WARDS OF THE STATE as generally perceived by Politicians , Bureaucrats & Handful of Effluent Society - DON'T SHOWER PITY ON THEM - THEY ARE "CO-CREATORS" . The four to five billion people at the Bottom of the Pyramid can help redefine what "GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE " is . The poor must become active , informed, Poverty reduction can result from co-creating market around the needs of the poor.

The Process must start with respect for Bottom of the Pyramid consumers as individuals . The process of co-creation assumes that consumers are equally important joint problem solvers - actually , they are Mahatma Gandhi's 'TALISMAN' !

New and creative approaches are needed to convert poverty into an opportunity for all concerned . This challenge must begin in all developmental programs including SWACHH BHARAT MISSION .

All barriers & bottlenecks of APL-BPL- CASTE - CREEED -COMMUNITY-MEN-WOMEN -URBAN- RURAL etc. Must be Unshackled without losing even a moment & "An United Partnership of CO-CREATORS " should be put in place to realize our Mission .

Market Principles of the Success Story in Mobile Telephony etc. are to be replicated in the areas of SWACHH BHARAT MISSION also .

As W. B. Yeats wrote, "There's more enterprise in walking naked" - let Aamir Khan's "PK"-suspense ends with the learning morals of an 'Open Defecation Free' India !

With all these words , I earnestly request & appeal you to kindly look into the matter as stated in this open letter addressed to you .

It is my personal request that this letter posted on your website may kindly be treated as "REGISTERED POST" so that a senior ordinary citizen like me may truly believe in "DIGITAL INDIA" .

For any inadvertent mistake in this letter , you may kindly forgive me .

Finally , With All the Best Wishes , I pray to the Almighty for your perfect health, happiness & prosperity ,

May Swami Vivekananda's Kathopanishada Blessings of

"UTTISHTHATA JAAGRAT PRAAPYA VARAN NIBODHATA"

( Arise , Awake , Reach Out .......till you find your Goal ) Be Always With You !

ENCLOSURE : My Letter in Hindi dated 29-07-2014

With Esteemed Regards ,

Sincerely Yours,

Nagesh Chandra Mishra

Former Engineer-in-Chief ,

Drinking Water & Sanitation Department , Jharkhand

Present Address : "SYAMANTAK" , Adarsh Colony

West Patel Nagar , PATNA - 800023

Email : [email protected]

Sent from my iPad

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sail-steel · 3 years ago

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Expanding the endeavours under ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ‘ SAIL – RSP has constructed a dedicated Mahila Sauchalay near the bus stand of Sector – 2 of RSP. The toilet complex is fitted with bathing area, toilet and a western toilet to facilitate it for physically challenged and elderly.

#SwachhBharat #SAILcares

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designdekko · 3 years ago

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Public sanitation: Design interventions lead the change

A 2017 report by the WHO found while 74% of the world’s population used at least a basic sanitation service, approximately 2 billion still did not have access to basic sanitation facilities like toilets and latrines – a rather shocking statistic when weighed against the amount of progress you see in the world today. Another highly disconcerting statistic on the subject is from a UNICEF blog, which noted 673 million people still defecate in the open, for example, in street gutters, behind bushes, or open water bodies.

Most urban millennials are unaware of the actual impact human waste and its incorrect disposal has on life across the planet. But trips around the country highlight the glaring shortcomings of India’s public sanitation system and every successive government’s inability to stick to its pre-electoral promises of improvement on that count. Of course, there has been improvement, but the pace at which we are changing isn’t still satisfactory.

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In 1999, the Indian government introduced the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) to accelerate sanitation coverage throughout the country, particularly in rural areas. It focused on information and education to generate public demand for sanitation facilities, particularly in schools. The TSC made some progress, but it suffered from its relatively low priority and ineffective deployment of resources. Renamed Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014, the GOI, armed with a barrage of shocking statistics and a revised mandate, took up the cause with renewed vigour, putting a significant dent in the widespread problem of sanitation.

Where to draw inspiration from?

Japan’s spotless, pop-anime, Kawaii-cute, tech-driven toilets are the stuff of legend, with tourists excitedly using them for that perfect Instagram moment. In fact, the country gained global media attention for its Tokyo Toilet project. Who’d think a public urinal would make for a perfect photo-op?

Switzerland is one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations, has toilets so clean that you can lie down in them. In Paris, the City of Light: a monolithic domed structure stood with a few scattered people standing in a queue in the middle of a Parisian cobble-stoned street. A sliding door whooshed open, revealing a clean albeit soaking wet toilet inside. Pictorial instructions outside the loo read: Post a single use, the entire toilet is sealed and sanitized, and only then access is granted to the next person.

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All this was planned and executed before the pandemic took over the world. Also, it is free. It is definitely impressive but is this a viable option for a country like India with its large populace and disparate economic structure?

Modern problems need modern solutions. I spoke to Rohan Chavan, principal architect at RC Architects and the mind behind Lightbox, a one-of-kind public urinal for women with space for social gatherings. Rohan engages with projects and issues related to public and community sanitation, urban design, affordable and low-cost housing, single-family houses, space design, and institutions. His signature approach to design created the Lightbox. This public urinal redefines the concept of ‘restroom’, taking it beyond just being a public toilet and creating a unique, visually attractive space that caters to the peri-urban female population living in and around the Thane region in Maharashtra (India).

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Over a short phone interview, Rohan spoke of how, as a designer, he took the initiative to design the Lightbox when Agasti, a social enterprise working in urban sanitation in Mumbai, floated a brief.

Wanting to create something to take to the municipal corporations to add to public sanitation infrastructure, in the hopes that it would be a departure from the largely unappealing ones that already existed, Chavan structured his design around a tree, aware that paucity of space in an urban setting was likely and he would have to work with what he was offered. His design was just as adaptable to smaller or larger spaces and could be tweaked to fit different venues.

Also Read | Bright whites, chrome yellows, and curved geometry put together a space that promotes life

Lightbox is covered under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at #5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Built around a large tree, the 10’ x 30’ restroom features two urinal blocks each at both ends, with a standard washbasin, a nursing room and a toilet for handicapped or senior citizens. The centre of the restroom was a garden measuring 15’ x 10’ that was meant for various activities like a place to rest, a free gallery to display art for amateur artists, a place for lectures and awareness campaigns, celebrating festivals, seasonal activities and events.

The central garden was a metaphor for spaces where people can sit and relax under a tree in the shade and socialize. The restroom with toilet blocks was fitted with a biodigester to reduce freshwater use and improved waste management. It also included a nursing room and amenities like sanitary pads vending machine and incinerator, CCTV cameras, mobile charging points, and a panic alarm system.

Rohan’s efficient use of modern materials resulted in natural light in the restroom, eased the process to keep the toilets clean and ensured high durability and construction within a specific budget. Rohan, however, is quick to point out that the design can be customized to fit a variety of sizes and use different materials, thus making it more sustainable.

Chavan recounted an instance when policemen at the police station across the street from Lightbox were so taken with the concept that they eagerly inquired about why there were no such facilities for men. He was also excited about the amateur artist showcase within the restroom, an unusual venue for an art show but an important one to highlight the accessibility of art and the opportunity to incorporate culture into everyday life.

While Lightbox sees social interaction as the key to the solution, LooCafe wants to hit the root cause of why public sanitation projects fail: Lack of safety, technology, and revenue-generating opportunity.

Also Read | An Ambitious and Thoughtful Vision for Montreal’s Largest Insular Park

With over 450 locations to its name, LooCafe, the brainchild of Abhishek Nath, MD & CEO, Ixora FM, is all set to expand across Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka. The concept is a simple tuck shop with a public urinal attached, sizes ranging from 4x8 ft, 20x8ft and 40x8ft, made of a shipping container or pre-fabricated materials to maintain long-term cost-effectiveness – basically a study in upcycling. And the brand is constantly learning, adjusting its designs and making changes where necessary. A cafe is attached to the front to add a layer of revenue generation opportunity. The attractive facades and cosy, clean interiors are home to thoroughly cleaned and disabled-friendly washrooms which use several sensors and technology to make them sustainable, clean and trustworthy.

With an increase in road trips during the pandemic and transportation of goods and personnel across state lines, initiatives like LooCafe are a viable business model and encourage safe sanitation practices, thereby slowly but surely transforming the nation’s response to public sanitation.

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The societal impact of projects like Lightbox and initiatives like LooCafe was clearly visible. Such unique design interventions represent a burgeoning design collective bent on creating distinctive architectural and spatial perspectives. Some of these are initiatives that governments and municipal corporations across the country must take advantage of and be utilized by the public.

Yes, there have been concentrated moves to build a network of public urinals, with their glossy tiled facades promising better facilities and clean services to its users. But inside, in barely-lit caverns of fetid water, lie disease and stench and the hopelessness of an impoverished citizenry in desperate need of what others might constitute as a fundamental human right.

Also Read | Public sanitation: Design interventions lead the change

However, hope now lies in the hands of a few thoughtful individuals contributing ideas and government bodies prioritizing public sanitation in their regular mandates and worldwide recognition of an endemic issue deeply rooted in neglect.

The article is part of a series of blogs by the writer on public sanitation and design interventions experienced during her travel around India and the world. Views expressed are of author.

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