DELHI UNIVERSITY
RAMJAS COLLEGE
VAC-III
SCIENCE AND
SOCIETY
PROJECT-1
NAME-ARPITA SOOD
ROLL NO.-2023/10/097
COURSE-BSC. (HONS) BOTANY
YEAR-2nd
SEMESTER-3rd
INTRODUCTION
•Clean water and sanitation are essential for
public health, environmental sustainability,
and economic development. Access to safe
drinking water prevents waterborne
diseases, which can lead to serious health
issues and even death, particularly in
vulnerable populations. Proper sanitation
facilities help maintain hygiene, reducing the
spread of infections and promoting overall
community well-being.
•Access to clean water and sanitation is vital
for health, preventing waterborne diseases
and promoting hygiene. It supports economic
development by enhancing productivity and
education, while also upholding human
rights, ensuring dignity and equity for all
communities.
CONTENT
S.N TOPIC T. SIGN
O.
1 IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN WATER AND
SANITATION
2 CURRENT GLOBAL AND NATIONAL
STATISTICS
3 URBAN VS RURAL ACCESS TO WATER AND
SANITATION
4 KEY CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS
5 CASE STUDY 1-SWACCH BHARAT MISSION
6 CASE STUDY 2-RURAL BIHAR
7 COMPARISON BETWEEN CASE STUDY 1 & 2
8 SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES
9 ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
10 CONCLUSION
11 BIBLIOGRAPHY
IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN
WATER AND SANITATION
1) Health Impact: Access to clean
water and sanitation is crucial for
preventing waterborne diseases
such as cholera, dysentery, and
typhoid. By reducing the incidence
of these illnesses, it improves
overall health, particularly for
vulnerable populations like children
and the elderly, and decreases
healthcare costs associated with
treating preventable diseases.
2) Economic Impacts: vesting in clean
water and sanitation boosts
productivity by reducing healthcare
expenses and improving workforce
efficiency. Access to these
resources supports agricultural and
industrial activities, driving
economic growth and sustainable
development.
3) Social Impacts: Proper sanitation
facilities promote gender equality
by enabling women and girls to
attend school and work without fear
or stigma. Clean water access
fosters community well-being,
social cohesion, and a sense of
dignity, enhancing the overall
quality of life for all.
CURRENT GLOBAL AND
NATIONAL STATISTICS
• GLOBAL STATISTICS
i. Access to Safe Drinking Water: According to WHO and UNICEF, approximately 2 billion
people globally lack access to safely managed drinking water services as of 2020.
ii. Sanitation Access: About 3.6 billion people do not have access to safely managed
sanitation, with 1.5 billion lacking even basic sanitation services.
iii. Health Impact: Waterborne diseases cause around 2.2 million deaths annually, with
children under five being particularly vulnerable.
• NATIONAL STATISTICS
i. Water Scarcity: States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra face severe water
scarcity. Rajasthan, for example, has one of the highest levels of water stress
ii. in India, with significant groundwater depletion.
iii. Sanitation Challenges: According to the 2021 Census, 37% of households in rural
India still do not have access to toilets, with states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
showing particularly low sanitation coverage.
iv. Health Consequences: Poor sanitation and lack of clean water in these regions
contribute to high rates of diarrheal diseases, with estimates indicating that these
conditions lead to the deaths of over 300,000 children under five each year in India.
URBAN vs RURAL ACCESS
TO WATER AND
SANITATION FACILITIES
URBAN RURAL
a) Higher Coverage: a) Lower Coverage: Only
Approximately 94% of about 50% of rural
urban households have households have access
to piped water, relying
access to piped water more on wells, tanks,
supply, compared to and other sources.
around 50% in rural b) Sanitation Issues:
areas. Roughly 37% of rural
households lack access
b) Sanitation Facilities: Most to toilets, leading to
urban areas have open defecation
improved sanitation practices, especially in
states like Bihar and
facilities, with over 80% Uttar Pradesh.
of households having c) Quality and Reliability:
access to toilets, largely Water quality in rural
due to government areas can be poor, with
many sources
initiatives. contaminated, and
c) Infrastructure Challenges: supply can be
Despite better access, unreliable, impacting
health and sanitation.
many urban areas face
issues like water quality,
ipoor sewage treatment
etc
KEY CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS
1) Infrastructure Deficiencies:
Many regions in India suffer from outdated or insufficient
infrastructure for water supply and sanitation. Aging pipelines
often lead to leaks and contamination, resulting in inconsistent
access to clean water. In rural areas, limited infrastructure
means that many communities rely on unsafe sources, such as
open wells or untreated surface water, which increases the risk
of waterborne diseases.
2) Geographic and Environmental Factors:
Certain regions, particularly arid areas like Rajasthan and
Gujarat, face significant water scarcity due to factors such as
over-extraction of groundwater and erratic rainfall patterns
linked to climate change. Additionally, industrial pollution and
agricultural runoff contaminate water sources, making it difficult
to find safe water for drinking and sanitation. This environmental
degradation exacerbates existing access issues.
3. Social and Cultural Barriers
Social inequalities, particularly related to caste and gender,
significantly impact access to water and sanitation services.
Marginalized communities often face discrimination, limiting their
access to resources. Cultural practices can also pose challenges;
for instance, in some areas, open defecation persists due to social
norms and a lack of acceptance of toilet usage, particularly
among women who may feel unsafe or stigmatized.
4. Policy and Governance Challenges
Despite various government initiatives aimed at
improving water and sanitation access,
implementation is often hampered by corruption,
lack of accountability, and poor coordination between
different agencies. Additionally, inadequate
regulation of water quality and sanitation practices
allows for ongoing pollution and unsafe conditions.
Strengthening governance and ensuring transparent,
effective management of water resources is crucial
for sustainable improvements.
CASE STUDY 1-SWACCH BHARAT MISSION
Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission)
Overview: Launched in October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) aimed to improve
sanitation and cleanliness across India, particularly focusing on eliminating open
defecation.
Key Strategies:
1. Infrastructure Development: The mission facilitated the construction of over 100
million toilets in rural areas, significantly increasing access to sanitation facilities.
2. Community Engagement: SBM emphasized community participation through
awareness campaigns, encouraging local involvement in building and maintaining
toilets.
3. Financial Support: The government provided financial incentives to households for
toilet construction, making it more accessible for low-income families.
Impact:
1. Reduction in Open Defecation: The mission led to a reported decrease in open
defecation practices, with many villages being declared "open defecation free" (ODF).
2. Health Improvements: Enhanced sanitation contributed to better health outcomes,
reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
3. Behavior Change: Increased awareness of hygiene and sanitation practices among
communities resulted in lasting changes in behavior.
Overall, the Swachh Bharat Mission is considered a significant success in improving
sanitation and public health in India, showcasing the importance of government
initiatives, community participation, and sustained efforts in addressing water and
sanitation challenges.
CASE STUDY 2-RURAL BIHAR
Overview: Bihar, one of India’s most populous states, faces significant challenges related to
water and sanitation. Despite various government initiatives, many rural areas continue to
struggle with inadequate facilities.
Key Issues:
1. Low Sanitation Coverage: As of recent data, approximately 38% of rural households in Bihar
lack access to toilets, leading to widespread open defecation. This practice poses severe health
risks and contributes to high rates of diarrheal diseases.
2. Water Scarcity and Quality: Many villages rely on groundwater, which is often contaminated
with arsenic and other pollutants. The lack of safe drinking water sources exacerbates health
issues, especially for children.
3. Cultural Barriers: Traditional practices and social stigma around sanitation hinder efforts to
improve hygiene. Many families prioritize other needs over sanitation facilities due to financial
constraints and lack of awareness.
Government Initiatives:
1. Swachh Bharat Mission: While the mission has made strides, implementation in Bihar has been
slow, with issues in community engagement and infrastructure development.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission: Launched to provide piped water supply to rural households, but many
areas still lack the necessary infrastructure for sustainable implementation.
Impact:
1. Health Consequences: Poor water and sanitation facilities contribute to high morbidity rates,
particularly among children. Bihar has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in India, often
linked to inadequate sanitation.
2. Economic Impacts: The lack of proper sanitation affects productivity, as illness due to
waterborne diseases leads to increased healthcare costs and loss of working days.
COMPARISON BETWEEN CASE
STUDY 1 AND 2
ASPECT SWACCH BHARAT RURAL BIHAR
MISSION
Improve sanitation and eliminate Address ongoing water and
Objective
open defecation sanitation challenges
- Over 100 million toilets built - Government initiatives exist
- Significant reduction in open but are under-implemented
Successes defecation
High emphasis on community Limited community
Community participation and awareness involvement and awareness
Engagement campaigns
Focus on building sanitation Inadequate sanitation and
Infrastructu infrastructure water supply infrastructure
re
Health Improved health outcomes reported High rates of waterborne
Impact in ODF villages diseases and malnutrition
- Initial resistance to toilet use - Cultural norms regarding
Barriers - Need for maintenance and sanitation
behavior change - Water contamination issues
Government Substantial funding and incentives Limited resources and slow
Support provided implementation of initiatives
SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES
1. Technological Solutions
Water Purification Technologies: Implement affordable water purification
systems, such as solar disinfection (SODIS) and bio sand filters, to provide safe
drinking water in rural areas.
Smart Water Management: Use IoT-based sensors to monitor water quality and
distribution in real-time, ensuring efficient usage and early detection of
contamination.
Sanitation Innovations: Promote the use of eco-friendly toilets (e.g., biogas
toilets) that minimize water usage and convert waste into usable energy or
compost.
2. Policy and Governance
Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and enforce stringent regulations
for water quality and sanitation practices, including penalties for violations to
ensure compliance.
Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Adopt a holistic approach that
considers the interconnections between water supply, sanitation, and
environmental sustainability, facilitating coordinated management across
sectors.
Decentralized Governance: Empower local governments and communities to
make decisions regarding water and sanitation, ensuring that solutions are
tailored to local needs and contexts.
3. Education and Awareness
a) Hygiene Education Campaigns: Implement nationwide campaigns focused on
hygiene practices, emphasizing the importance of handwashing and
sanitation to reduce disease transmission.
b) School-Based Programs: Integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
education into school curriculums to instill good practices from a young age,
involving students in community initiatives.
c) Use of Media and Technology: Leverage social media, mobile apps, and
community radio to spread awareness about water conservation, sanitation,
and hygiene practices.
4. Community-Based Approaches
a) Participatory Planning: Involve community members in the planning and
implementation of water and sanitation projects to ensure their needs and
preferences are addressed.
b) Self-Help Groups: Encourage the formation of self-help groups to mobilize
resources and create community-driven initiatives for improving local
water and sanitation facilities.
c) Behavior Change Initiatives: Promote behavior change through peer
education and local champions who can influence community norms around
sanitation and hygiene practices.
ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS
International organizations play a crucial role in improving water and sanitation globally through various strategies and initiatives:
1. Funding and Investment
a) Financial Assistance: Organizations like the World Bank and regional development banks
provide funding for water and sanitation projects, helping countries develop infrastructure and
services.
b) Grants and Loans: They offer low-interest loans and grants for specific projects aimed at
improving access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in developing countries.
2. Policy Development and Advocacy
a) Setting Standards: The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF establish guidelines and
standards for water quality and sanitation practices, promoting best practices globally.
b) Advocacy: These organizations advocate for policies that prioritize water and sanitation in
national and international agendas, emphasizing their importance for health, economic
development, and human rights.
3. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
a) Training and Resources: International organizations provide training for local governments and
communities on effective water management, sanitation practices, and hygiene education.
b) Technical Expertise: They offer technical assistance in areas such as infrastructure
development, data collection, and monitoring to enhance local capabilities.
4. Research and Data Collection
a) Monitoring Progress: Organizations like UNICEF and WHO collect and analyze data on global
water and sanitation access, helping track progress toward Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
b) Research Initiatives: They conduct research to identify best practices and innovative solutions,
sharing knowledge and experiences across countries.
CONCLUSION
• Access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental to
public health, economic development, and human
dignity. This project has highlighted the critical
challenges faced by many communities, including
inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and
social barriers. Through case studies, we have seen
both successful initiatives and ongoing struggles,
underscoring the importance of a multifaceted
approach.
• Effective solutions require collaboration among
governments, international organizations,
communities, and individuals. By leveraging
technology, improving governance, and enhancing
education and awareness, we can create sustainable
water and sanitation systems that meet the needs of
all people.
• As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize
investments in water and sanitation, ensuring that
every individual has access to these basic human
rights. Achieving clean water and sanitation for all is
not just a goal; it is a necessity for a healthier, more
equitable, and prosperous future
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. World Health Organization (WHO). "Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene."
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/en/
2. United Nations International Children's
Emergency Fund (UNICEF). "Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene.“
https://www.unicef.org/wash
3. World Bank. "Water and Sanitation: A Global
Priority.“
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/watersupply
4. Government of India. "Swachh Bharat Mission:
Gramin.“
https://swachhsurvekshan.in/
5. Jal Jeevan Mission. "Providing Safe Drinking
Water to Every Rural Household.“
https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/
