“Sanitation is more important than Independence.”
(Sh. Mahatma Gandhi)

Success Story “Sanitation is more important than Independence.” (Sh. Mahatma Gandhi) Open defecation is the human practice of defecating outside in the open rather than into a toilet. People may choose fields, bushes, forests, ditches, streets, canals or other open space for defecation. They do so either because they do not have a toilet readily accessible or due to traditional cultural practices. The practice is common where sanitation infrastructure and services are not available. Even if toilets are available, behaviour change efforts may still be needed to promote the use of toilets. 'Open defecation free' (ODF) is a term used to describe communities that have shifted to using toilets instead of open defecation. This can happen, for example, after community-led total sanitation programs have been implemented. In order to achieve 'Open defecation free' (ODF), GOI introduced the concept of Swachh Bharat. It was made clear that it is the duty of every citizen of India to promote cleanliness not only in their home but in nation too. The IHHL of Individual Household Latrine scheme by the government of India is another such active step in that aims at making India cleaner. “MUCH LIKE CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME SANITATION STARTS WITH YOU AND ME” To carry forward the vision of the Govt. of India in the direction of Swachh Bharat, Municipal Committee Bhaderwah, also focused on making Parole town 'Open defecation free' and Manual Scavenger free by adapting latest practices and tools. Municipal Committee Bhaderwah, identified 179 households under IHHL (Individual Household Latrine Scheme) and provided financial assistance under the said scheme to the eligible beneficiaries to construct toilets and avoid open defecation. To aware general public about hygiene and sanitation, nos. of awareness campaigns organized by Municipal Committee Bhaderwah along with local organizations and NGO’s. After all the efforts, Municipal Committee received the certificate of 'Open defecation free' (ODF) after the inspection from the representative of “Quality Council of India” and the town was declared ODF. Continuing its effort for better improvement in hygiene and sanitation and safeguarding the lives of sanitation workers, manual scavenging was also banned within the limits of committee and replaced by mechanical methods