Building toilets across nation is fine, but who'll check on how good they are?

There is a toilet building spree across the nation and rightly too. For far too long, far too many – near half the population - has been defecating in the open. It is a matter of utmost shame since it involves the self-esteem of the people. But given the toilet construction spree the relevant question is:  what about toilet training to ensure they’re used properly?

The number of toilets rolled out in just one year is impressive. As per official figures released by Venkaiah Naidu, 89 lakh toilets have been built in rural areas. This is an astounding figure for a country where many in rural areas are used to going to the open fields.

But a major factor is keeping the toilet clean after use so that the next users do not filch.  That is quite a task.

Eighty-nine lakh multiplied by five – assuming it to be the average size of a family in India – is a huge slice of the population which would use the new squat pans. This is a shift from the squatting in the fields and behind the bushes, where one is required to shuffle without rising to drop more poop. They need to be trained, and this is not being patronising. It is about facing a reality.

We also have statistics of the toilets built. What we don’t know is if they are built to a precise specification which helps in easy disposal of the solid waste without jeopardising hygiene.

The other day newspapers carried the image of a toilet built somewhere. It comprised of sheets of cloth strung up on three sides, a squat pan inside, a new bucket with water and a mug, and interestingly, a few flowers scattered. Did the toilet have a soak pit? And is it one large enough to avoid frequent cleaning up? Also how does one clean up the chambers, and dispose of the stuff?

We haven’t heard of a pattern, a standardisation, of design which included meeting the disposal concerns. Apparently one can build in any manner, as long as it met the idea of a toilet. The standardisation should include several design types to meet various constraints – space, water, number of users and provision of water to flush. They need to work too.

Unflushed toilets are as unsightly as the poop in the fields. Those who dodge dog excrement on urban streets – thanks to pet owners who think it is not their job to pick up after them, and a large number of strays who are fed by good Samaritans – would understand the scene.

Perhaps the government should flag off a campaign in the areas where new toilets have been rolled out. Tell users that cleaning one’s own excrement is essential. If this is not done, we will be flush with impressive statistics,that are of little consequence. Much like many government programs where costs and numbers are a measure of the success of a programme, not their real outcome. Remember, acceptance of toilets is not going to be easy. (Read the Maharashtra experience here)