credit - doolnews
High Open Defecation Rates in Rural India: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha Among Worst Affected
Despite large-scale government efforts to improve sanitation, a significant percentage of rural households in India still practice open defecation. Recent data highlights that states like Bihar (43.9%), Jharkhand (41%), and Odisha (37%) have the highest rural open defecation rates, followed by Tamil Nadu (33.9%) and Madhya Pradesh (33.3%).
The Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2014, aiming to make India open defecation-free (ODF). While the program has helped build millions of toilets, challenges remain in ensuring their sustained usage.
Key Challenges Behind High Open Defecation Rates
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Lack of Proper Infrastructure
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Behavioural and Cultural Barriers
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Economic Constraints
The Way Forward
Experts emphasize the need for community awareness campaigns, better sanitation infrastructure, and long-term behavioral change initiatives. While the government continues its efforts, ensuring proper toilet usage and maintenance is key to eliminating open defecation in India.
