Survey flags gaps in sanitation access, continuing open defecation practice in Belagavi’s Chikkodi

Although rural Karnataka was declared “Open Defecation Free” in 2018, a survey of women in 390 Scheduled Caste households in Chikkodi taluk, Belagavi, has found that nearly 50% of the households do not have a toilet at home.

The survey, conducted by ActionAid Karnataka in February 2026 across 13 villages in the taluk, found that several villages do not have public toilets. In villages that have public toilets, many were found unusable owing to a lack of water connections, poor maintenance, or unclean conditions.

All these contribute to the continuing practice of open defecation in the region and disproportionately impact women and elderly residents who do not have access to private or usable community sanitation facilities, notes the report.

Lack of public toilets

During the survey, 196 out of 390 respondents reported not having toilets at their homes.

Six of the 13 villages, including Karagaon, Donawad, Kungatoli, Mugali, Bambalwad, and Hanchinal were found to have no public/community toilets. All six villages see the practice of open defecation, as per the survey.

While there are public toilets in Nagarmunnoli, Belakud, Kallol, Ankali, Ingali, Kamatenatti, and Haleyadur, respondents from Kallol, Kamattenatti, and Nagarmunnoli reported that they do not have water connections.

“Nearly 74% of the respondents (288 out of 390) reported knowing other women who defecate in the open, and 175 of them were from the same seven aforementioned villages,” the report noted.

Space and water

The survey also highlighted the non-availability of water as a critical constraint. “While most households have tap water connections, irregular water supply and inadequate storage capacity limit the usability of toilets,” the report noted.

Around 84% of households have four or more members living in homes often smaller than 600 sq. ft, leaving no space for toilet construction. 

Disproportionate impact

Women were found to be disproportionately affected by the lack of sanitation facilities. “Respondents reported having to wait until early morning or late evening to defecate in open spaces, which raises concerns related to safety, dignity, and health. Menstruation further complicates sanitation access for women and adolescent girls,” the study further stated.

Limited awareness of government sanitation schemes was yet another finding. Less than 50% of respondents were found to be aware of the ₹20,000 subsidy for household toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan provisions.