The man who revolutionised sanitation

Ideas have the potential to change society. It is widely believed that a simple but positive idea can often have a ripple effect on society and can in turn create a revolution.

- PRADEEP KUMAR NAYAK

Dr. Bindeswar Pathak of Bihar who passed away on 15 August 2023 was an unknown person in India until 1970, but his idea of Sulabh Sauchalaya ultimately turned him into a famous figure and created a revolution in the field of environmental sanitation.

His pioneering idea to start Sulabh International in India in 1974 was undoubtedly a big step to cleanse India from the filth and stench of human waste and open air defecation prevalent in our country especially in the countryside. Dr. Pathak from Bihar conceptualized “Pay and Use Public Toilets” in India. It was, so to say, the beginning of a sanitation revolution that brought to an end the heinous practice of manual scavenging by Bhangis (scavengers) in vogue for centuries.

The Sulabh Sauchalayas (Public Toilets) introduced by him became immensely popular with the people and made them conscious of cleanliness of surroundings, and instilled civic sense in them. Now, India has 8,500 Sulabh Sauchalayas across the country in urban regions catering to the needs of common people. These toilets are located in all major public places including 36 railway stations in India.