CHALLENGES IN SUSTAINING OPEN DEFECATION FREE (ODF) STATUS: A CASE STUDY OF ADHIKARIPATTI VILLAGE PANCHAYAT, SALEM DISTRICT

How to Cite the Article: P. Renupriya (2026). Challenges in Sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status: A Case Study of Adhikaripatti Village Panchayat, Salem District. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(5),113-124. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i5.2026.113-124

Authors

  • Dr. P. Renupriya Assistant Professor in Sociology, Anandam Law College in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

This research assesses the effect of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on sanitation practices in Adhikaripatti Village Panchayat, Salem District, Tamil Nadu. Through a mixed-methods study (n=138 households), the study reveals a substantial "Knowledge-Action Gap": 81% are aware of SBM, but 34% continue to openly defecate, especially the elderly and males. The qualitative results from Focus Group Discussions show that the infrastructural achievements are constrained by the lack of regular maintenance and reuse of toilets for storage. This paper argues that to promote health in the long term, SBM needs to move from "toilet construction" to "behavioural sustainability".

 



Keywords:

Swachh Bharat, Sanitation, Open defecation and Rural Health

Author Biography

Dr. P. Renupriya, Assistant Professor in Sociology, Anandam Law College in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Gmail- renupriyaalc03@gmail.com

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