In a country with a population of almost 1.04 billion people rising at 1% every year, along with resource allocation and income inequality, health and hygiene becomes a major concern. Open defecation and water borne diseases make up the cause of 21% of all diseases. The Indian government makes every effort to combat this. Starting initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Campaign) which UNICEF has been an avid partner of, and promoting toilets.
What are the Consequences?
India desperately needs to replenish their field of environmental sanitation, that compares to that of 19th century London. More than 90% of people defecate in the open, which leads to a rapid increase and transmission of airborne and water diseases. In 2006, this phenomenon had cost the Indian government 6.4% of its GDP ($54 billion approx. ) ranging from immense diarrhea and acute respiratory diseases. While demand and need for cleanliness rise, the population rises at an even greater rate, not allowing the economic rate of the country to catch up at such a staggering rate.
India is said to have a constant water supply, yet 70% of the population does not have access to sanitation facilities. This problem goes beyond just water. Women’s menstrual cycles have gone unnoticed and put women in a dire position to use rags and unhygienic products, forcing them to tolerate these conditions frequently at a week every month in isolation. With the rapid development of technology and economy in India, if these conditions prevail, it will end up affecting the developments that have taken the past decade of blood, sweat, and tears.
Why does this continue despite constant efforts?
India has not held back in their effort of promoting initiatives, spreading awareness with movies surrounding the topic (e.g; Toilet, Padman etc.), laws that enforce cleanliness, and many more. However, it remains to be the issue at hand due to the great role that culture and tradition plays in the lifestyles of Indians. They are unwilling to accept change in such situations because of the fear and lack of knowledge in the matter. Another major setback is the income inequality, seen in India by how the rich live lavish luxury lives and the poor are left with unsanitary conditions with no other choice or path to follow.
What can we do?
NGO’s work towards this is making a difference in the lives and bringing that change themselves, which solves the lack of knowledge and access to sanitation, we can further help these organizations with funds and volunteering.
You can read more about other SDGs here.
