Presentation

Presentation from the 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm©The Author(s), all rights reserved

by:by:Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Ph.D., D.Litt.Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Ph.D., D.Litt.

FounderFounderSulabh Sanitation & Social Reform MovementSulabh Sanitation & Social Reform Movement

August 17, 2009August 17, 2009

at at 2009 World Water Week  Stockholm2009 World Water Week  Stockholm

Opening Plenary Opening Plenary SessionSession2009 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate2009 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

FACT: Access to Sanitation ProvisionFACT: Access to Sanitation Provision

2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation worldwide – ofwhich 650 million people reside in India.

Common sights in developing countriesCommon sights in developing countries

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Existing scenario of open defecationExisting scenario of open defecation

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The three basic problems which India wasfacing;

• Defecation in the open• Cleaning of bucket toilets manually by thepeople called scavengers

• Public places without facilities of toilets andurinals.

Lack of SanitationLack of Sanitation

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400000 BC 200000 BC STONE AGE (PALALEOLITHIC, MESOLITHIC AND NEOLITHIC AGE)

Defecation in the open was widelypracticed as people lived in the jungles,dense forests and caves. The idea ofhealth hygiene or sanitation wasunknown to them.

5000 BC INDUS VALLEY CIVILISATION

Latrines were fairly common and rubbishchutes were also not unknown. Allgarbages, human and animal excretawere easily deposited in the fields andthey turn into natural manure.

1500 BC700 BC

VEDIC INDIA There were no toilets inside the house.People had to go outside for attendingnature’s call and return home only afterbath.

POST VEDIC PERIOD

326 BC300 BC

ALEXENDER THE GREAT

Nobody was allowed to defecate in theopen in the city. They used to go outside.

MAURYA PERIOD300 BC100 BC

BACTERIA People used to go outside for opendefecation.SUNGAS

BC/AD100-300

KUSHAN DYNASTY People used to go to nearby fields,groves etc. for nature’s call.

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400500-800

WHITE HUN DYNASTY There was no open defecation in the city. Thebuildings, theatres, dining halls were very cleanwith a very high degree of civic sense andevery house having sewage system.

GUPTA DYNASTY

900-1500 THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD People used to defecate in the open, except forKings and Queens in the palace using the owntoilets which was cleaned by war captives.

16001700

MUGHAL EMPIRE After the advent of Muslims in India the termsweeping and scavenging seems to have takenthe form of a formal profession. It is said thatthe system of bucket privies was designed andconstructed by Muslims for their women inPurdah. Those who were made captives wereforced to clean latrines, bucket privies andthrow off the night soil at distant places.

16001700

BRITISH DOMINATION Civil Lines were inhabited by the white rulerswith fine sewage and drainage system, whilethe other parts were left out for the natives.After setting up of army cantonments andmunicipalities a large number of people wereemployed to do sweeping and scavenging workon a regular basis.

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1947 INDEPENDENT INDIA In the rural areas open defecation was widelyprevalent. Hardly one percent of the people usedto have latrines in the house. In the urban areasalso a large number of people used to go foropen defecation or have dry latrines in theirhouses.

2009 POST INDEPENDENT PERIOD

After a lapse of sixty two years of independencethe sanitation scenario is gradually changing dueto the efforts of the Govt. and NGOs like Sulabh.The sanitation coverage in the rural areas hasincreased from almost zero to 57 percent in 2008and the percentage of people going in for openair defecation has dropped from 89 percent in1990 to 74 percent in 2006. The practice of opendefecation continues and there are still a largenumber of dry latrines cleaned manually by thescavengers. Even now out of 5161 towns only232 towns and cities have sewer lines and thattoo partial. The sanitation coverage in the urbanareas is only 63 percent. The percentage of opendefecation has been reduced from 28 percent in1990 to 18 percent in 2006.

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Cleaning of bucket toilet manually by a woman scavenger, a sub-human practice

The Unfathomable Plight of Scavengers!!The Unfathomable Plight of Scavengers!!

contdcontd……

These practices endangered hygiene andhealth of millions of the people which wereafflicted by diseases such as cholera,diarrhoea and dehydration due to insanitaryconditions.Girls did not go to school because of lack oftoilets.

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In the days when you couldn’t count on a public toiletfacility, an English woman was planning a trip to India ‐She registered to stay in a small guest house owned by thelocal schoolmaster. She was concerned as to whether theguest house contained a WC. In England, a bathroom iscommonly called a WC which stands for "Water Closet".She wrote to the schoolmaster inquiring of the facilitiesabout the WC. The school master, not fluent in Englishasked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC.Together they pondered possible meanings of the lettersand concluded that the lady wanted to know if there was a“Wayside Chapel" near the house. A bathroom neverentered their minds. So the schoolmaster wrote thefollowing reply: ‐

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An Ancient JokeAn Ancient Joke

Dear Madam,I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9miles from the house. It is located in the middle of a grove ofpine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable ofholding 229 people and is open on Sundays and Thursdays. Asthere are many people expected in the summer months, Isuggest you arrive early. There is, however, plenty of standingroom. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are inthe habit of going regularly. It may be of some interest to youthat my daughter was married in the WC, since she met herhusband there. It was a wonderful event. There were 10 peoplein every seat. It was wonderful to see the expressions on theirfaces. My wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. Ithas been almost a year since she went last, which pains hergreatly. You will be pleased to know that many people bringtheir lunch and make a day of it.

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contdcontd… … 

Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just intime! I would recommend that your ladyship plan to go ona Thursday, as there is an organ accompaniment. Theacoustics are excellent and even the most delicate soundscan be heard everywhere. The newest addition is a bell whichrings every time a person enters. We are holding a bazaar toprovide plush seats for all since many feel it is long needed.I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating youin a place where you can be seen by all.With deepest regards,The Schoolmaster.The woman never visited India !!!

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contdcontd… … 

The Genesis: The Genesis: 

Sulabh Sanitation MovementSulabh Sanitation Movement

Sulabh Sanitation Movement was started in theyear 1970 by me.To end the inhumane practice, technology wasnecessary so I developed two sustainabletechnologies:

o Conversion of dry latrines into Sulabh twin‐ pit,pour‐flush, compost toilets.

o Public toilet complexes with biogas plants.

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Technological Solution to a Social ProblemTechnological Solution to a Social Problem

To solve the social problem and provide sustainablesanitation options, I developed a technology of Sulabhtwo‐pit, pour‐flush, compost toilet which isappropriate, affordable, indigenous, eco‐friendly,socially and culturally acceptable and an on‐sitesolution for recycling of human waste.

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Sulabh Twin Pit , Pour Flush Compost Toilet Technology

Sulabh Toilet with Rectangular Pits

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SULABH TWOSULABH TWO--PIT POURPIT POUR--FLUSH, COMPOST TOILETSFLUSH, COMPOST TOILETS

Sulabh TwoSulabh Two‐‐pit, pourpit, pour‐‐flush, compost Toilet flush, compost Toilet (Sulabh Shauchalaya)(Sulabh Shauchalaya)

This technology does notneed vent pipe, gases areabsorbed in the soil and itrequires 1.5 litre of water to flush.

There are two pits – one isused at a time and the other iskept as standby.

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Only a small quantity of water (about1.5 litres) is enough to flush the excretafrom the pan into the pit, whereasconventional flush latrine needs about12‐14 litres of water for flushing. Thus,it saves a lot of water.

Ceramic Pan with 25° to 28° slope –it needs only 1.5 litre of water perflushing due to slope and P ‐ trap

PVC P – trap having 20 mm waterseal which does not allow the smellfrom the pit to enter the toilet

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Different designs of twinDifferent designs of twin‐‐pit, pour flush,pit, pour flush,compost toilet:compost toilet:

It is flexible in design and affordable.It can be constructed for the poor US $15, 20, 50, depending

on the choice of design and materials used by the householder.

Cost – US $50

Cost – US $5319

contd....

Cost – US $32

Cost – US $152

Cost – US $185 Cost – US $190 20

contd....

Cost – US $145 Cost – US $160

Cost – US $110021

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Panormic View – Different Designs of Sulabh Two‐Pit Pour Flush Compost Toilets 

contd….

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The Sulabh Shauchalaya can be constructed in the minimum possible space – in a narrow lane, courtyard of a house or in the bedroom. 

contd...

The Sulabh toilet can be constructed in areas where the watertable is high and even in upper floors of buildings.

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contd....

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Sulabh pit platforms can be used for variety of purposes like cooking ,chopping fish, chaffing grains.

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contd....

Sulabhpit platforms can be used for offering prayers

Sulabhpit platforms can be used for running small shops 

After a rest period of two years, the excreta is converted intomanure. almost dry and becomes a rich organic manure andsoil conditioner that can conveniently be used in the fieldsand gardens.

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Human excreta manure is rich in Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potassium andprovides good nutrients to plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc.

It is a good fertilizer to raise productivity of field.

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High yielding variety of fruits High yielding variety of crops

Contacting the house‐owners to convinceand persuade them to agree to theconversion of dry latrines into SulabhShauchalayas (toilets).Beneficiaries were given directory of thelist of materials required.

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MethodologyMethodology andand DeliveryDelivery SystemSystem adoptedadopted byby SulabhSulabh forforConstructionConstruction ofof ToiletsToilets::

Sulabh Directory – Explaining the details of Sulabh Shauchayala to thebeneficiaries.Filling of forms by house‐owners for construction of toilets.Processing of forms by Urban Local Bodies.Amount for construction of toilets received from ULB by Sulabhvolunteers.Certificate of completion is given by the beneficiaries.To avoid human error ‐ the beneficiaries are also sent post‐cards to certifysatisfactory completion of work through mail.Thereafter, Guarantee Card is issued with Sulabh accepting theresponsibility of rectifying defects free‐of‐cost for a period of five years.

Further, it also ensures that if any complaint is received, it will be attendedto within seven days.

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Methodology and Delivery System adopted by Sulabh for  Methodology and Delivery System adopted by Sulabh for  Construction of Toilets:                                                Construction of Toilets:                                                contdcontd……

Energy from Human WasteEnergy from Human Waste

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To ensure recycling of human excreta in public toilets, I developedthe technology of biogas production.Sulabh by now has installed 200 biogas plants attached to publictoilets.

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Diagram of Public Toilet Based Biogas Plant

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Use of BiogasUse of Biogas

Biogas used for lighting of mantle lamps

Biogas used for cooking

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Use of BiogasUse of Biogas

Biogas used to warm oneself in winter Biogas used for electricity generation

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Sulabh Effluent Treatment  TechnologySulabh Effluent Treatment  Technology

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Sulabh Sulabh pay and usepay and use Public Toilets     Public Toilets     In 1974, Sulabh introduced theconcept of pay and use public toilets.Sulabh has built more than 7,500public toilets at all important placesin the country.

Alongwith the toilet facility, they areequipped with the provision ofdrinking water, telephones, laundry,health centers, lockers, cyber cafe,first – aid box, etc. It is in a way, aHappy Home.

Funded by SHIRDI TRUST, constructed and maintained by Sulabh Funded by SHIRDI TRUST, constructed and maintained by Sulabh International Social Service International Social Service OrganisationOrganisation, it has 148 toilets cloak , it has 148 toilets cloak 

rooms, 108 bathrooms and 5,000 lockers for keeping the belongings rooms, 108 bathrooms and 5,000 lockers for keeping the belongings of pilgrims. The complex is lit by the electricity from the biogas of pilgrims. The complex is lit by the electricity from the biogas generated from human excreta. 30,000 persons can use these generated from human excreta. 30,000 persons can use these 

facilities daily.facilities daily.

Largest Sulabh Toilet Complex in the world at Largest Sulabh Toilet Complex in the world at ShirdiShirdi (Nasik), Maharashtra, India.(Nasik), Maharashtra, India.

•Both individual and public toilets are being used bymore than ten million people daily.

•Millions of scavengers have been relieved from theirinhuman occupation.

•Sulabh has also constructed and maintainedCommunity Toilet Complexes in countries likeAfghanistan, Bhutan and recently signed MoU withEthiopia.

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contd....

Quality Education to wards of scavengersQuality Education to wards of scavengers

Sulabh Public School:Premier English mediumschool.Recognised by CBSE.Tuition fee is waived and freeuniforms, books are provided tochildren of scavengercommunity.There is a 60:40 ratio of childrenfrom scavenger community toother sections of society.Students share lunch with oneanother.Messages of proper hygienebehaviour spread from childrento parents and community.

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The scavengers were then weaned away from thedemeaning practice of manual cleaning of humanexcreta and brought on a par with others –realization of a dream of Mahatma Gandhi.

Rehabilitation programme through training invarious trades was then initated for them to beingthem into the mainstream of society.

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REHABILITATION OF SCAVENGERSREHABILITATION OF SCAVENGERS

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NAI DISHA: NAI DISHA: An Initiative towards Rehabilitation An Initiative towards Rehabilitation of Scavengersof Scavengers

‘Nai Disha’ Vocational TrainingCentre was set up at Alwar, inApril 2003, to liberate andrehabilitate women hithertoengaged in the profession ofscavenging till end March 2003.

A comprehensive 2‐year training is being provided to56 women scavengers in food‐processing, beauty‐care,tailoring and embroidery, with a three yearrehabilitation programme.

contd…

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Economic Sustainability and Social TransformationEconomic Sustainability and Social Transformation

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The social transformation brought about can be gauged by theincredible fact that the same society that was averse even to thetouch of a scavenger, today readily purchases products (eveneatables) prepared by the hands of these very scavengers. Thissymbolises a fundamental change in the attitude nursed forcenturies by the people.

contd…

Adult literacy classes are held to teach themEnglish and Hindi.

contd…

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A monthly stipend of Rs. 2000 is paid to ensure that they donot return to their earlier profession. The stipend is directlyput into their bank accounts which they operate themselves.

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SOCIAL INTERACTIONSOCIAL INTERACTION

Social InteractionSocial Interaction

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Taken to the best restaurants in town

Social TransformationSocial Transformation

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil crowning Smt.Usha Chaumar in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

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Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, giving audience to the erstwhilescavengers of Alwar Rajasthan, who used to clean nightsoil earlier: and now aftereducation and training have become self‐employed and lead a life of dignity.

Social AcceptabilitySocial Acceptability

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World Toilet Summit 2007, October 31World Toilet Summit 2007, October 31‐‐November 2, 2007 at New DelhiNovember 2, 2007 at New Delhi

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Mrs. Sushila Chauhan, shared the dais with former President of India,Hon’ble Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and addressed the gathering at theInaugural Session of the World Toilet Summit at Vigyan Bhawan, NewDelhi

World Toilet Summit 2007, October 31World Toilet Summit 2007, October 31‐‐November 2, 2007 at New DelhiNovember 2, 2007 at New Delhi

The erstwhile woman scavengers walked the ramp withthe top models who showcased their handiwork at theWorld Toilet Summit 2007 in New Delhi 49

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Mission SanitationMission Sanitation

HRH the Prince of Orange of the Netherlands felicitating erstwhile woman scavengers, whowere liberated and rehabilitated by Sulabh, with bouquets of flowers, lending prestige tothe scavengers who cleaned human excreta manually till March, 2003.

Flying in the Sky – A journeyto United Nations HeadQuarters, New York, U.S.A.

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Mission SanitationMission Sanitation

Mission SanitationMission Sanitation

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The erstwhile woman scavengers walked the ramp with themodels who showcased their handiwork at the United Nationsin New York on July 2, 2008. Their social status went up.

Fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s DreamFulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s Dream

H.E. Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Chef de Cabinet of the Executive Office of the Secretary General ofthe United Nations, crowning Mrs. Usha Chaumar, an erstwhile woman scavenger of Alwar,Rajasthan on July 2, 2008 at the event “Sanitation for Sustainable Development” in theUnited Nations at New York. 53

Fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s DreamFulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s Dream

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The liberated woman scavengers showing the sign of ‘V’ for Victory as a sign of triumph, in frontof the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA to show their liberation from the demeaningprofession of cleaning dry privies and carrying human excreta (nightsoil) of others, to eke aliving for their families.

Erstwhile Scavengers Gain Entry in TempleErstwhile Scavengers Gain Entry in Temple

Puja and hawan being performed outside the Jagannath Temple in Alwar, Rajasthanon Decemeber 21, 2008 by Dr. and Mrs. Bindeshwar Pathak, Mrs. Usha Chaumarand her husband and other erstwhile scavengers of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan

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Dining With Mahatma Gandhi’s GrandsonDining With Mahatma Gandhi’s GrandsonProf. Prof. RajmohanRajmohan Gandhi, Sulabh Gram, New DelhiGandhi, Sulabh Gram, New Delhi

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A unique lunch and an amazing experience when Mr. Rajmohan Gandhi dinedwith the liberated scavengers and the families where they did scavenging, alongwith priests, in the lawns of the Sulabh Campus, New Delhi on January 5, 2009.

Training & Research Training & Research Sulabh International in collaboration with UN‐HABITAT,Nairobi has trained professionals from 14 African countriesfor their capacity development towards achieving the MDGfor sustainable development in water and sanitation.Sulabh has recently signed a MoU with Ethiopia toprovide its expertise to improve sanitation, health andhygiene.It has trained more than 50,000 people to work in theconstruction & maintenance of community toilets inIndia.

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Millennium Development GoalsMillennium Development GoalsApart from the problem, solution, people’s participation, replication of sustainable technologies is more important.To meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, especially target 7 on water and sanitation, for ensuring environmental sustainability, Sulabh’s affordable technologies for on‐site sanitation should be replicated throughout the world with some modifications if necessary.

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Sulabh has explored new pathways in itsjourney of over for decades for providingsustainable sanitation technologies, notonly for the urban poor but for the 2.5billion people in the world who lackimproved sanitation facilities.

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contd....

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

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Sulabh International Social Service OrganisationSulabh Gram, Mahavir Enclave

Palam-Dabri Road, New Delhi-110 045Tel. No. : 011-25031518, 25031519; Fax : 011-25034014Email : sulabhinfo@gmail.com / sulabhinfo1@gmail.com

Website : http://www.sulabhinternational.org / www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org