Abstract

When human waste (feces) is not managed well, it pollutes water, food, and soil with germs and leads to diarrhea and other health problems. Using toilets prevents germs from getting into the environment and protects the health. Keeping in mind of the issue, the World Toilet Organization was established in 2001 with the aim to break the taboo around toilets and the sanitation crisis. Since 2001, World Toilet Organization lobbied governments, public and private sector stakeholders and the international community to prioritize sanitation in the development agenda. In India, in addition to Government of India and respective state Governments, one NGO viz., Gramalaya based on its office at Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu has been doing praiseworthy work as Gramalaya has been promoting SMART toilets (S - Safe and Sustainable, M – Maintainable, A – Affordable, R - Recyclable (waste), T - Technically perfect) under the leadership of its Founder Chairman Shri. S. Damodaran. Also, Gramalaya has been producing sustainable sanitary pads (washable) for the menstrual girls and women for their better health and hygiene under the trade name of FeelFree. In this research article, activities of Gramalaya by constructing SMART toilets were studied by the author at Budalur block of Thanjavur district also locally known as Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu in September 2019. These toilets were under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), funded by Lion Dates Impex Private limited. Lion Dates Company is India's largest date processing and trading company. The Company has factories located in Tamil Nadu. The Lion Dates brand is available across 29 states and 7 union territories in India. It is also suggested that SMART toilet concept may be replicated other parts of the country based on local, social, cultural and backward and forward linkages.

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