Climate-proof sanitation – Not just sanitation, but climate-proof sanitation

Source: The post on climate-proof sanitation has been created on the article “Not just sanitation, but climate-proof sanitation” published in “Indian Express” on 21st November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – infrastructure.

News: The article discusses how climate change affects water, sanitation, and hygiene in Indian cities, particularly in slums. It highlights the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and community preparedness to handle challenges like waterborne diseases and sanitation issues during extreme weather events.

What is climate-proof sanitation?

Climate-proof sanitation approach ensures that Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities can withstand extreme weather events like floods and droughts, maintaining functionality and hygiene standards.

It focuses on safeguarding water sources from contamination, adapting to environmental changes, and supporting the most vulnerable communities.

Incorporating climate-proof elements into WASH infrastructure is essential for preserving public health, environmental sustainability, and resilience against the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

What is the need for climate-proof sanitation?

Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events: India’s extensive coastline (7,517 km) is highly susceptible to climate change impacts like floods and droughts.

Health and Hygiene Risks: In slum areas, damaged WASH infrastructure during extreme weather events leads to poor water quality and sewage issues. The latest Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) Report also emphasizes the impact of climate change on WASH services.

Impact on Marginalized Communities: Marginalized groups in coastal regions are most affected, with over 17,000 lives lost between 2012 and 2021 due to extreme weather events.

Reduced Access During Crises: Access to essential services like tap water and latrines significantly drops during adverse climate events, increasing open defecation and reliance on external water sources.

Disease Outbreaks: The lack of proper sanitation facilities leads to a rise in waterborne diseases like malaria, dengue, and typhoid, especially in slums.

Alignment with Global Goals: Achieving SDG target 6.2 is crucial, which calls for universal access to safely managed sanitation facilities and the elimination of open defecation.

What are some initiatives for climate-proof sanitation?

Global Initiatives for Climate-Proof Sanitation

UN COP27 Focus: The United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27) in 2022 highlighted the importance of water in climate discussions, signaling a global shift towards integrating WASH in climate policies.

GLAAS Report: It is an extensive report on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WaSH), published by the World Health Organisation and UN Water. The report covers WASH systems in over 120 countries and 23 external support agencies (ESAs). It offers comprehensive, accessible data on governance, monitoring, finance, and human resources, aiding policy-makers at all levels.

Initiatives in India

Flagship Programmes: India’s Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and Jal Jeevan (Water for Life) missions provide a foundation for improving sanitation and water infrastructure.

Urban Local Body Empowerment: The 74th Constitutional Amendment mandates the devolution of WASH services to Urban Local Bodies, facilitating local solutions for climate resilience.

Risk and Vulnerability Assessment: Studies like the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), supported by the Australian government’s Water for Women initiative, assess the impact of climate change on WASH infrastructure in urban slums of Jaipur and Bhubaneswar.

What should be done?

Integrate Climate Resilience in WASH Policies: As most WASH plans currently overlook climate risks, policies must be updated to incorporate climate-proofing measures.

Enhance Infrastructure: Develop and upgrade sanitation facilities to withstand extreme weather, particularly in vulnerable areas like India’s coastal regions.

Support Local Initiatives: Back community-led efforts, like those in Jaipur and Bhubaneswar, where locals test water quality and manage water sources.

Focus on Marginalized Communities: Identify suitable local measures to enhance the resilience of marginalized communities, particularly those residing in slum areas.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of climate-proof sanitation and government initiatives in addressing WASH challenges in Indian cities.