“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 the nation too. The IHHL (Individual Household Latrine) scheme by the government of India is another such active step that aims at making India cleaner.