New Delhi:
The government has quoted a UNICEF survey which carried out in 10,000 households across the country to claim that the Swachh Bharat Mission is on right way, achieving its goals and targets.
According to the government release, the survey was conducted across 12 states and they found that 85 percent members of the households were using toilets.
"The third party survey clearly shows that the government has been able to bring in awareness about sanitation through the drive," said Parameswaran Iyer, secretary Water Supply and Sanitation.
Nicolas Osbert head of the UNICEF's Drinking Water and Sanitation section, said, "India has been able to catalyse and mobilise the efforts of millions of citizens and the Swachh Bharat Mission is a once-in-a-generation opportunity".
Speaking to media persons at a programme on 'Swachhta Hi Seva', Osbert said the mission is taking place "concretely" on the ground.
"Beyond the hundreds of thousands of toilets being built, a genuine prioritising of behaviour change interventions is taking place," he said, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the mission.
The total economic impact of inadequate sanitation in India amounted to USD 53.8 billion per year, an equivalent of 6.4 percent of the country's then GDP, he quoted a World Bank report which was published in 2008, he said.
In a fully open defecation-free community, considering medical costs averted, the value of time savings, and the value of mortality averted, the financial savings for each household is Rs 50,000 per year, Osbert said
He also appreciated the move of the government in creating sanitation volunteers with the support of UNICEF for doing a commendable service.
Praising the 15-day 'Swachhta hi Seva' movement, Osbert said that the campaign is a "great opportunity" to galvanize the drive.
