SDG 6 is not just about infrastructure and resources. It is about a cross-sectional solution for a equitable future for all by ensuring basic necessity, water
In a world increasingly oriented towards inclusive development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap to ensure that no one is left behind. Particularly critical in this global blueprint is SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal forms the cornerstone of health, well-being, education, and gender equality for communities worldwide.
A WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme report finds that 2.2 billion people globally lack safely managed drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack safely managed sanitation services. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water resources, India faces major challenges in meeting its water and sanitation needs. The lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) has severe implications for disadvantaged communities, leading to health crises and decreased economic opportunities.
Inadequate water and sanitation disproportionately affect women and girls. A 2015 study by Dasra finds about 23% of girls in India drop out of school due to a lack of safe menstrual hygiene facilities. Women and girls lose out on income generation and educational opportunities due to the time spent fetching water. Inaccessible or non-functional toilets further expose women to physical and sexual assault and health issues. In children under 5 years of age, diarrhoeal diseases resulting from inadequate WASH are a leading cause of death. These issues are symptomatic of larger systemic concerns that result in inequitable delivery of these essential services.
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to clean water and sanitation, affirming their essence to the realization of all human rights. Programs such as Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission, (also known as Har Ghar Nal Yojana) have significantly contributed to improving access to sanitation and water. Recently, under SBM 50% of villages in India achieved ODF (open defecation free) Plus status. When Jal Jeevan Mission was launched, only 21.64 lakhs (7.84%) of households had access to tap water in the 112 aspirational districts of the country. The number has now increased to 1.67 crore (60.51%) households.
Philanthropic and CSR initiatives have also made considerable progress in ensuring WASH coverage from multiple aspects. Ambuja Cement, for instance, enhanced water storage by 166 million litres and rejuvenated 550 tube wells in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. HUL's Suvidha initiative provides sanitation services in Mumbai, reducing diarrhoea cases by 44% and conserving 35 million litres of water annually. The Su Swasthya initiative by Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA) includes infrastructure development and awareness campaigns in WASH impacting 19 lakh community members in 2989 villages across 6 districts of Odisha.
Despite significant strides in the right direction, much remains to be achieved. The Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to water and sanitation underscores the importance of the availability, accessibility, and affordability of sanitation infrastructure.
Advancements in water and sanitation necessitate a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. Women, being at the heart of grassroots development, should be integral to this process, ensuring the initiatives are diverse and effective.
Infrastructure development is a fundamental part of improving water and sanitation services. It entails constructing or upgrading physical facilities such as systems for water supply and waste disposal, and toilets. The involvement of community members in decision-making is essential to realise a shared vision for sustainable water and sanitation practices. Once the infrastructure is in place, it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of using sanitation facilities and maintaining hygiene. Moreover, community education should extend to water conservation. Collective efforts to prevent the pollution of surface water and contamination of groundwater sources must also be emphasised. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for water and sanitation issues and the initiatives may vary depending on geographical, climatic, and cultural considerations. In areas where water salinity is high, procedures for desalination and water filtration must take precedence. Similarly, established procedures for water conservation such as water harvesting, drip irrigation, waste management treatment and storage reservoirs must also be used as required.
The complexity and pervasiveness of the water and sanitation crisis necessitate a collective approach. When government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities collaborate, outcomes are inclusive, sustainable, and appropriate to local contexts.
(The writer is the trustee and Founder and CEO of Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation)
