Rajgir block in Nalanda district of Bihar had high rates of open defecation due to lack of sanitation facilities and awareness. Through community meetings, demonstrations, and involvement of local leaders and organizations, over 76,000 people gained access to handwashing facilities and nearly 10,000 gained access to toilets. Regular monitoring and education efforts helped change behaviors and social norms. As a result, within 4 months the entire block was declared free of open defecation, improving health, safety, education, and quality of life for residents.

1. 1. An introduction:
Rajgir is a tourist block of nalanda district . It is situated 25 Km from District Head
Quarter . There are People living in ODF environments ~ 76013, People with hand-
washing facilities ~ 62638, People with improved toilets ~ 9984
By virtue of having least priority to Sanitation in their day to day life open defecation
was rampant here. Most of their earning was spend on medical and outreach to Doctors
in result to that they were facing loss of working days / man days .
At present rajgir block is free from open defecation. It only became possible by the
rigorous hammering & regular follow up of the community in the leadership of
PRImembers, SHG women, District Water& Sanitation Committee, Nalanda with the
support Global Sanitation Fund & its sub guaratee ACE .
2. Process Involved:
(i) Thematic meeting & post triggering
(ii) Community & institutional triggering & Constitution of Nigrani samiti
(iii) Regualr morning & evening follow up
(iv) BCC & IEC activities
(v) DWSC nalanda actively engagement
(vi) Multi Stakeholder coalition i.e. Jeevika, WB & inter departmental
Convergence (education, ICDS, Health, PHED)
(vii) Decentralized fund disbursement mechanism & Smooth Fund Flow

2. 3. Activities

4. 4.Outcome :- Community ignited & under their leadership they have converted their
block from open defecation to open defecation free within 4 month
5.
Changes made after
Intervention:
Change Indicator
Gradual change in behavior; Safety of Women increased.
Increase in acceptance of toilet; Social Dignity enhanced
Involvement of PRIs increased; Spending More Time with Family
Level of awareness increased; Medical expenses on health reduce
Sustainability of toilet increased Savings goes up
Living Standard goes up.
5.Key Risk faced & its mitigation
For furtherdetails:
Jnu_arvind@rediffmail.com