Himachal Pradesh- ‘Open Defecation Free’ State by the end of 2010

Himachal Pradesh is a state in which about 90% of the population lives in the rural areas while only 10% make up the urban areas. The open defecation system has thus been an age old practice in the rural areas and was still prevalent a decade ago. Health departments reported the adverse consequences of open defecation in the form of severe diseases. Keeping in view the health of the rural public, the Himachal government thought of getting rid of open defecation practice in rural areas. For this Himachal government started various programmes, schemes and sanitation awareness campaigns. Have a look at the following advertisement by Himachal government in order to aware every rural family the need of proper toilets and sanitation :

The first initiative in making Himachal an Open Defecation Free state was taken in the year 2000 in Sirmour district by launching the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). Though initially every new move is hard to accept but slowly and gradually rural areas started following it. The result of such sanitation awareness programmes is really great. In 2001 the sanitation coverage in rural areas was less than 30% but by the year 2009 it has crossed the 80% mark. These sanitation awareness programmes has really changed the outlook in rural areas and have been helpful in closing the chapter of open defecation in Himachal.

Looking into the steady increase, it is expected to make Himachal Pradesh an Open Defecation Free State by the year 2010. Only 20% of the rural areas are left to cover with these sanitation programmes. Hope sanitation awareness programmes will soon cover up the untouched areas in Himachal.

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