Village Meeting at Samiyalarkudi Tribal Hamlet to persuade them to construct toilet

Project Period 2012-2013
Implementing States Vattavada Gram Panchayat, Idukki District, Kerala, India
Funded by Suchitwa Mission, Government of Kerala

Kerala has attained 95 % Sanitation coverage except for 19 Panchayats were Open defecation continued to be in practise. Vattavada is one among the 19 Panchayats and a special project was conceived to make it ODF. WASH has played a major role in Behaviour Change Communication and involving the local community in the process.

The Project was a great success. This unique model were the convergence of NBA and MNREGA funds took place for the first time, thereby enhancing the subisdy for toilet construction to Rs9200 , ensured financial support for the people. Also the funds were made available locally at panchayat itself. WASH Institute adopted a multi pronged strategy to change the mindset of people and make them construct and use toilets. More focus was laid on interpersonal communication and involving local volunteers and youth in the process. Within a year of the Project, two villages Vattavada and Samiyalarkudi, got declared as 100 % ODF , with all households having access to toilets. In 11 villages, 95 % Sanitation coverage was achieved.