A total of 22 village panchayats have been declared ‘open defecation-free’ in Erode district during the gram sabha meeting last week. Common toilets To curb the practice of open defecation, every household was provided with a lavatory. In the absence of space in households, common toilets were constructed, according to a press release. Women self-help groups have been involved in motivating the rural public to construct toilets at home, and in maintaining public toilets. Campaign School students have been given pamphlets to create the culture of healthy hygiene. Street plays and campaigns were also being conducted. The ODF panchayats constitute Kathirampatti in Erode Panchayat Union, Muthugoundanpalayam and Ezhumathur in Modakurichi PU, Avudayarparai and Ezhunoothimangalam in Kodumudi PU, Kallipalayam and Kandaampalayam in Perundurai PU, Kuttapalayam and Moogasipulavanpalayam in Chennimalai PU, Padavalkalvai and Puthur in Ammapettai PU, Keezhavani and Koothampoondi in Anthiyur PU, Alathur and Sanniyasipatti in Bhavani PU, Ammapalayam and Kadukkampalayam in Gobichettipalayam PU, Andipalayam in Nambiyur PU, Odayakoundanpalayam in T.N. Palayam, Konamulai and Indiyampalayam in Sathy PU, and Mudukkanthurai in Bhavani Sagar Panchayat Union.