The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched with the noble vision of making the nation open defecation free, ought to be pursued with a qualitative rather than a quantitative approach (“Labelling versus outcomes”, November 15). The sustainable solution in making people use latrines lies in wiping out the notion of “pollution” associated with having a toilet within or near one’s house. Villagers must be made aware of the lethal but preventable health issues stemming from defecating in the open. Schools must educate children on sanitation and the need to use toilets at home, thereby spreading the message to adults as well. Coercion, of the poor, benighted villagers, to achieve pre-set targets can be justified by no means. A behavioural change can be brought about only by inducing mass awareness. Political parties must rise above petty mudslinging and work diligently for a ‘Clean India’ to save our children from falling victim to health problems, affecting their quality of life.
Anjali B.,
Thiruvananthapuram