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Defecating in the open-A deeper look

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A response to the World Health organisation and UNICEF’s report 'Diarrhoea: Why Children Are Still Dying and What Can Be Done' (2009), which  pointed out that India has the largest number of persons that defecate in the open worldwide. I strongly oppose this westernized view of sanitation & hygiene. Defecating in the open is not just a hygienic issue but a socio-cultural, historical, economic, political & environmental issue. The point of contention being that health is jeopardized due to open-defecation is highly ridiculous. I argue that its failure of the state which is primarily responsible for the poor health rather than the prevalent defecation practices. ·          Many cultures & society across India has age-old tradition of defecating in the open. Most parts where open defecation is practiced are parts with water scarcity & low rainfall. There are many community defecating practices which are of special significance to many, particularl