Sanitation and Sustainable Development Goals: A Critical Global Challenge

Introduction

Globally, approximately 2.5 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, with 1.1 billion practicing open defecation. This situation poses severe health risks, including the death of over 200,000 children annually due to preventable diseases linked to poor sanitation. Addressing sanitation is a priority aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Health and Safety Implications

• Diarrhea caused by inadequate sanitation and unsafe water results in 315,000 child deaths each year.
• Open defecation is normalized in many rural areas, contributing to disease transmission and public health challenges.
• Women face increased risks of sexual assault when forced to defecate in open fields, highlighting gender-based safety concerns (SDG 5).
• Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to 17% of workplace deaths, impacting economic productivity (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Challenges in Changing Sanitation Practices

Cultural norms and perceptions often hinder the adoption of improved sanitation facilities. In some communities, open defecation is mistakenly considered more hygienic than using shared toilets. Rural areas particularly struggle with:

1. Lack of access to toilets.
2. Neglect and poor maintenance of public sanitation facilities.
3. Insufficient hygiene awareness and education.

Government Initiatives and Progress

The Indian government, under the Swachh Bharat Mission, has prioritized sanitation by aiming to construct over 100 million toilets in rural India, contributing to SDG 6. Key milestones include:

• A 20% increase in the number of toilets from 120,000 in 2019 to 150,000 in 2025 during the Kumbh Mela event.
• Introduction of bio-toilets, ICT monitoring systems, odour management, and volunteer participation to improve sanitation infrastructure.
• Approximately 10 million toilets built so far, with ongoing efforts to meet ambitious targets.

Issues with Public Toilet Maintenance

Despite infrastructure development, many public toilets, including e-toilets, suffer from poor maintenance, leading to:

• Malodour and unclean conditions discouraging usage.
• Lack of electricity and water supply.
• Health hazards due to neglect by local authorities.

Effective monitoring systems and community education are essential to ensure the sustainability of sanitation facilities, directly supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Changing Mindsets and Raising Awareness

Addressing sanitation challenges requires grassroots campaigns to educate communities about the health benefits of proper hygiene and the importance of investing in sanitation infrastructure. Key focus areas include:

1. Dispelling myths that open defecation is more hygienic.
2. Promoting the value of toilets as vital infrastructure alongside other public amenities.
3. Emphasizing the role of sanitation in poverty reduction, economic development, and attracting business investments (SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 8).

Sanitation’s Role in Economic and Social Development

Improved sanitation is crucial for building a strong economy, enhancing public health, and protecting the dignity and safety of all citizens, especially women and girls. The lack of adequate public toilets remains a significant barrier to achieving these goals. Authorities must respond to public concerns and prioritize sanitation to fulfill the commitments under the SDGs.

Conclusion

Sanitation is a multifaceted issue that intersects with several Sustainable Development Goals. Comprehensive efforts involving infrastructure development, maintenance, education, and cultural change are essential to eliminate open defecation and improve public health and safety. The ongoing initiatives and campaigns must be sustained and expanded to ensure equitable access to sanitation for all, thereby advancing global development objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing child mortality caused by diarrhoea due to poor sanitation
   • Reducing disease transmission linked to poor hygiene
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Ensuring availability and sustainable management of sanitation facilities
   • Eliminating open defecation
   • Improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Protecting women from sexual assault related to lack of sanitation facilities
   • Ensuring dignity and safety for women and girls
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving public toilets and sanitation in urban areas
   • Maintaining hygiene and infrastructure for public use
5. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Using improved sanitation as a tool to combat poverty and develop the economy

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
   • 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution
2. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing recycling and safe reuse
3. SDG 5 Targets
   • 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres
4. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces
5. SDG 1 Targets
   • 1.4: Ensure equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services
   • Implied by the statistics on number of toilets constructed (e.g., 10 million toilets built under Swachh Bharat Mission)
   • Increase in number of toilets from 120,000 in 2019 to 150,000 in 2025 at Kumbh
2. Prevalence of open defecation
   • Estimated 1.1 billion people practicing open defecation globally
   • 620 million people in India defecating outside
3. Child mortality rate due to diarrhoea
   • 315,000 children dying annually from diarrhoea linked to poor sanitation
4. Workplace deaths caused by poor sanitation and hygiene
   • 17% of workplace deaths attributed to disease transmission from poor sanitation
5. Maintenance and usability of public toilets
   • Indicators implied by references to malodour, lack of water, electricity, and poor upkeep of e-toilets
6. Behavioral change and awareness
   • Implied need for education and grassroots campaigns to change cultural norms and sanitation practices

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: dailygoodmorningkashmir.com