November 19th, World Toilet Day reminds us of the role sanitation plays in health, dignity, and sustainable development. While this is a serious issue let us lighten the mood with humor that revolves around one of life's inevitable routines—bowel movements! After all, Piku, (Amitabh Bachhan starring Bollywood movie) made us laugh, cry, and reflect on the importance of good toilets and even better digestion.
Observed since 2013, this day has emphasized the importance of safe and accessible toilet facilities as part of sustainable development. This year's theme is ‘Toilets - A Place for Peace’ which emphasizes that billions of people face heightened threats to sanitation due to conflict, climate change, natural disasters, and systemic neglect.
3.5 billion people live without safely managed sanitation and 419 million practicing open defecation around the world.
Sanitation services act as a protective barrier, ensuring human waste does not enter ecosystems and endanger communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2023 that unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene are responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths of children under the age of five every day. Improved sanitation could save 1.4 million lives annually, highlighting the urgent need for action.
2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water, 2 billion lack basic hygiene services, and 653 million live without facilities.
Children living in fragile environments are more vulnerable, being three times more likely to practice open defecation and eight times more likely to lack basic drinking water services. In conflict-torn areas, children under 15 are nearly three times more likely to die from diseases linked to poor sanitation than from direct violence, underscoring the catastrophic impact of inadequate sanitation.
In India, World Toilet Day reinforces efforts toward sustaining the nation’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. The government has directed all States and Union Territories to conduct ground-level surveys to identify gaps and expedite the construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs). Additionally, organize village-level registration drives and camps to ensure toilet construction.
This year, India launches the campaign “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman”, which commences on November 19 and culminates on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2024, linking sanitation with human rights and the universal need for dignity and privacy, especially for women and girls.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen
The construction of over 11.73 crore household toilets, resulted in more than 5.57 lakh ODF Plus villages.
This initiative significantly contributed to public health, with WHO reporting 300,000 fewer diarrheal deaths by 2019 compared with 2014.
The mission's economic impact was equally impressive, saving ODF villages an average of INR 50,000 per family annually on healthcare.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
Facilitated, the construction of 63.63 lakh household latrines and over 6.36 lakh community and public toilets.
These efforts led to 4,576 cities achieving ODF status, with many progressing to ODF+ and ODF++ designations. The mission has profoundly impacted women's safety and dignity, with 93% of women in ODF regions reporting enhanced feelings of security.
SBM has laid the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable India, aligning with the overarching goals of World Toilet Day.
World Toilet Day reminds us that toilets are about more than hygiene—they’re about health, safety, and dignity. This year’s theme emphasizes the urgency of action. If Bhaskar were here, he’d probably say, “Toilet hona chahiye, bas! Ghar ke andar, bahar kahin bhi chalega, par hona zaroori hai!” (There must be a toilet—whether inside or outside the house, it’s non-negotiable!). Like Piku made us realize, some of life’s best conversations happen amid seemingly trivial issues. This year, let’s channel our inner Bhaskar Banerjee, talk openly about sanitation, and do our bit to ensure no one is left behind. Because if there’s one thing Piku taught us, it’s that a good toilet can solve more problems than you think. So, let’s “accelerate change” and flush away the global sanitation crisis for good.
Reference:
Swachh Bharat Mission Urban. "Homepage." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://sbmurban.org/.
Swachh Bharat Mission. "Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://swachhbharatmission.ddws.gov.in/.
United Nations. "World Toilet Day 2024: Factsheet." July 2024. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/2024/07/wtd2024_factsheet_eng.pdf.
United Nations. "World Toilet Day: Background." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.un.org/en/observances/toilet-day/background.
UN Water. "World Toilet Day 2024: Toilets and Peace." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.unwater.org/news/world-toilet-day-2024-toilets-place-peace.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)