Sanitation Impact on Indian Development

Sanitation, encompassing the provision of fresh drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and hygiene practices, is a fundamental human necessity (Agoramoorthy, 2009). In India, the lack of adequate sanitation has long been a pressing issue, particularly affecting children, who are among the most vulnerable. Each year, approximately 2 million people succumb to diseases linked to inadequate sanitation (Waheed, 2018). The absence of widespread access to toilets forces many to defecate in the open, significantly increasing the risk of disease transmission and hindering efforts to maintain proper hygiene (Khuroo, 2015).

This essay will argue that improving sanitation in India not only addresses a critical public health issue but also has the potential to unlock significant economic benefits.

Economic and Health Implications

India's economy is frequently praised for its rapid growth, being the world's seventh-largest and expanding faster than any other large economy (World Economic Forum, 2017). However, this economic growth has not translated into improvements in sanitation, which remains a significant challenge. The economic impact of inadequate sanitation is substantial, affecting the employment prospects of individuals, particularly in rural areas, and placing a heavy burden on the Indian economy. Despite economic progress with a consistent GDP growth rate of over 5% for the past two decades (Khan, 2018), investment in sanitation has lagged behind.

The financial cost of inadequate sanitation in India is staggering. Mehnaaz Sultan Khuroo, a pathology assistant professor, highlights that the economic impact amounts to Rs. 2.44 trillion (US $53.8 billion) annually, equivalent to 6.4% of India's GDP in 2006 (Khuroo, 2015). This amounts to an annual per-person impact of Rs. 2,180 (US $48). Such economic losses are compounded by health consequences. M. Govinda Rao, an expert in public finance, points out that more than three-fourths of premature mortality-related economic losses stem from deaths and diseases in children under five years old. Diarrhea alone accounts for over 47% (US$18 billion, Rs.824 billion) of the total health-related economic impacts (Rao, 2015).

The lack of sanitation infrastructure not only affects health but also perpetuates poverty. In rural India, where economic conditions are dire, people struggle to secure stable employment and provide for their families. Despite rapid economic growth, job creation has not kept pace, leaving many without the means to afford basic sanitation products (Alper, 2018). Consequently, individuals often resort to unofficial waste-related activities, exposing themselves and their children to hazardous conditions and disease (Gidwani, 2015).

Addressing Sanitation Challenges

Addressing the sanitation crisis requires empowering communities and ensuring access to proper sanitation facilities. The situation is particularly dire in slums, where living conditions are hazardous and polluted. According to Neda Waheed, only 20% of people in these areas earn more than Rs. 8,000 (US $111.55) per month, while 55% earn between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 8,000 (US $55.78-$111.55) (Waheed, 2018). This low income makes it challenging for families to afford sanitation facilities and maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children.

The lack of access to education and employment opportunities further exacerbates the problem. Over 30% of India's youth are not engaged in education or training (World Economic Forum, 2017), limiting their awareness of the importance of sanitation and hygiene. As a result, many children grow up without understanding the significance of proper sanitation practices, perpetuating the cycle of poor hygiene and disease transmission.

While some organizations aim to improve sanitation in India, their efforts often fall short. The Village Health and Sanitation Committee (VHSC), responsible for developing health and sanitation policies in rural areas, struggles to effectively utilize the funds allocated to them (Srivastava, 2016). Meetings are infrequent, attendance is low, and activities are poorly planned. However, there are success stories, such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), which has made significant strides in improving health facilities and sanitation in rural India (Rao, 2015). By effectively using government funds, the NRHM provides children with the sanitation they need to thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of adequate sanitation in India poses significant challenges to public health and economic development. While India's economy continues to grow, failing to address sanitation issues undermines this progress by perpetuating poverty and disease. Organizations dedicated to improving sanitation must prioritize effective planning and fund distribution to ensure the well-being of children and communities in rural India. By educating communities about the importance of sanitation, we can break the cycle of disease transmission, improve public health, and ultimately strengthen India's economy. Addressing sanitation is not merely a public health obligation but an investment in the nation's future prosperity.

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