Sanitation survey

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPhbsTaQ_O_5rWWiQ8wonSHTdBv0HHXm96lbAJMtPFnXdEdQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

!! Attention dear Indian readers !!

     Maintaining sanitation in India is a major issue. Lack of access to clean toilets has an impact on public health and dignity. The result of this is usually open defecation which is associated with serious public health issues. According to the Swachhta Status Report issued in 2016 by the Government of India, ‘in rural areas, the percentage of peope practicing open defecation was estimated to be 52.1%. In urban India, this percentage was estimated to be 7.5%. Out of the 3788 villages surveyed, 13.1% villages in India were found to have community toilets. Out of the sample villages, at all India level, 1.7% villages were found to be having the community toilets but not using them.’

     Many new toilets are being built around the world to help end open defecation. Unfortunately, many of these new toilets, still remain unused because of improper maintenance; they are not cleaned regularly, are poorly managed and smell bad. As people experience discomfort using these unmaintained toilets, they continue to relieve themselves in the open where the air is fresher, dodging the idea of visiting a public toilet. Poor management and hygienic maintenance are very serious issues. A well-kept toilet will encourage proper usage and prevent deadly diseases.

     Hygienic sanitation facilities are crucial for public health. It is estimated that up to 5 million people die each year from preventable waterborne diseases, as a result of inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. Sanitation is a necessity for a healthy life as this issue is directly related to a person’s health.

     We are designing an IoT (Internet of Things) based system to track the upkeep and maintenance of public toilets. Our system is divided into 5-6 subsystems based on the requirements of the authorities. It will provide the toilet usage data, the maintenance data, the water usage data, etc. to the authorities.

     In order to ensure best practices and standards in toilet ethics and toilet design, we need to integrate conventional cleanliness strategies with modern sanitation technologies. To make this idea more people oriented, cost effective while considering needs of people into account, we need to interact with the potential customers and with the users. This can be done with the help of this survey. Using this platform, we are sure to gain tremendous insights into the actual needs and necessities of the people who have experienced the problems first-hand.

     Using the results of this survey, we will have a fair idea of the current conditions in public toilets and the steps to be taken to overcome the problems.

     Sanitation is a sensitive topic in India. We would like to overcome this hurdle and contribute to the betterment of the society. Spare us your 5 mins to fill in this survey. No personal details are required.

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPhbsTaQ_O_5rWWiQ8wonSHTdBv0HHXm96lbAJMtPFnXdEdQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

     Please fill and share this survey form with your friends and with as many people as you can. The data collected through this survey will provide us valuable insights for our project.

 

 – Suri