This refers to Sangita Vyas' article "Most rural Indians can afford a toilet but don't want one" (June 11). Although the construction of toilets should be done on a priority basis, it is equally important to educate people on the dangers of defecating in the open. The government should not only spend funds on building toilets but also take the help of both government and non-government agencies to educate people about hygiene and the dangers of defecating in open. Once people are aware of the health hazards, they will learn to make use of the toilets. Municipal councillors , gram panchayats and NGOs can also play a key role in this. Measures such as a fine for defecating in public places, educating children in schools about the benefits of using toilets, building more public toilets in rural areas will prevent open defecation and reduce health hazards.
Veena Shenoy Thane
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