Water and Sanitation Services Have a Profound Effect on the Life of Metropolis

Water and Sanitation Services Have a Profound Effect on the Life of Metropolis

Harish R

Associate Professor, BMS School of Architecture, Yelahanka, Bangalore

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Abstract - The critical global issue of inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for a significant portion of the world's population, amounting to approximately 40%. In India, disparities exist in water and sanitation access between urban and rural areas. While 97% of urban regions have upgraded water supplies and 58% improved sanitation, rural areas show lower access rates at 90% for water and a mere 23% for sanitation. India's rivers suffer from severe water quality degradation due to untreated sewage, with inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, particularly in swiftly growing urban areas like Delhi. Despite initiatives like the Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans, major rivers remain highly polluted. The flush toilet system further exacerbates the water crisis by consuming significant volumes of fresh water for waste disposal. This paper also underscores the link between water supplies, sanitation, and health, citing classifications of water-related infections and the pressing need to bridge the disparities in access. However, reports note progress in drinking water and sanitation coverage globally since 1990. The analysis concludes that India's cities struggle to meet basic living standards amidst rapid urbanization, emphasizing the profound impact of education, awareness, and service availability on residents' lives.

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities

Key Words:  Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities