In search of sustainable sanitation in India : the tipping point : the West Bengal experience

An evaluation of the Intensive Sanitation Project in 1996-97 was done in 19 villages. The key findings were: 97 percent installed latrines because of the method of prompt doorstep delivery of hardware and skilled masons to install; 59 percent were happy that the unit was low-cost; 85 percent were satisfied; Interpersonal communication was the most effective tool; local youth clubs and sanitation motivators reportedly motivated 84 percent families; The health factor had the least influence in decision making about owning a toilet-the main reasons were convenience for women and children and dignity.  The approach and results in West Bengal had a major influence on changing India’s national policy on rural sanitation from a supply-driven to a demand-based approach in the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). [authors abstract]