A photo essay on Gandhigram's sanitation efforts for women and all people in the rural village of

Muthampatti, Tamil Nadu.

Through a project funded by Arghyam in Bangalore, India.

Gandhigram works on water and sanitation in 12 villages in Athoor Block, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu in South India.

The drinking water component of the project was from 2006-2008.

The sanitation component of the project is from 2008-2010.

Muthampatti was one rural village that received water and sanitation interventions.

This photo essay and associated article show how sanitation interventions greatly benefit women and all people in the village of Muthampatti.

A field of flowers near the village. Flowers are a main crop in the area. Such flowers are often used for

pujas or ceremonies.

These are temporary settlements used by landless individuals. After they are finished living here, they

will burn the structure.

Near the canal area – the main area of open

defecation – in the village.

This area of the village used to flood with water filled with human sewage during heavy rains.

A section of the village located near the canal.

A toilet built by the government in disrepair because it was not built correctly and, therefore, not used.

A toilet built in the community after outreach and awareness efforts.

One of the few – if not the only –

Western-style toilets in the community.A free-standing latrine built with a loan

from Gandhigram.

Address: Gandhigram, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India, 624302Phone: 0451-2452326Website: www.gandhigram.orgE-mail: ggmtrust at sify.com

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