Urban Sanitation

Arghyam, which started as a funding organisation, has evolved into being an influential voice in the water ecosystem. At present, it works with a network of organisations on water security solutions across the country.

Inadequate sanitation poses significant global risks, affecting over four billion people. Insufficient access to proper facilities leads to social, psychological, and physical threats, contributing to 6.3% of global deaths. India, with one billion residents, grapples with open defecation, affecting half the population.

WaterAid India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives by improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The organisation focuses on marginalised and vulnerable communities, striving to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to these essential services.

In developing countries, it is extremely difficult to strike a balance between the competing priorities of socioeconomic and environmental goals within water utilities. India's water industry struggles with problems like budget deficits, accessibility restrictions, and poor service standards.

Rural job demand under MGNREGA rises as monsoon plays truant

Bodh Gaya, a globally venerated small town, derives its significance as the birthplace of Buddhism. It is considered as the 'navel of the earth' (Pathavinabhi) among Buddhists.

According to the World Bank (2020), 49% percent of the urban population in India, resides in slums. The urban slum dweller’s desire for a better life has only been partially fulfilled, as people continue to fight for necessities such as clean drinking water and adequate toilets.

Urban India continues to face the sanitation challenge and governmental efforts have contributed greatly to improving sanitation in the country. However, various non-governmental institutions have also experimented with innovative ideas in different regional contexts to meet the needs of the community and to ensure access to safe sanitation.

Highlights