Sanitation and Hygiene: Still a Challenge in Urban Slums
Urban slums are expanding rapidly across India’s cities due to increased migration, poverty, and housing shortages. Despite the growth of cities, basic sanitation and hygiene remain severely neglected in these informal settlements. The problem is not just about infrastructure but also about awareness, planning, and long-term commitment. This article explores the ongoing challenges under various subtopics.
1. Poor Infrastructure and Lack of Toilets
One of the most pressing issues in slums is the absence of proper toilet facilities. Many families either share a single toilet with dozens of others or have no access at all. This often leads to open defecation, especially in areas where community toilets are far away, unsafe, or poorly maintained. In several urban slums, toilets constructed under government schemes remain unused due to lack of water or maintenance, rendering them ineffective.
2. Unsafe Water Supply and Drainage Systems
Clean water is essential for good hygiene, but in slums, water is often contaminated or irregularly supplied. People store water in unsafe containers, which become breeding grounds for bacteria. Drainage systems are either missing or clogged, leading to waterlogging or the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Slum residents are frequently exposed to sewage and dirty water, which increases the risk of skin infections and gastrointestinal diseases.
3. Health Impacts of Poor Sanitation
Lack of hygiene directly impacts public health. Diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are common in slum areas, especially among children. Malnutrition and stunted growth are often the result of repeated infections caused by unsanitary living conditions. For women, poor menstrual hygiene and lack of clean toilets create major health risks and contribute to social stigma and emotional stress.
4. Gender and Safety Issues
Sanitation is closely linked to women’s dignity and safety. In many urban slums, women and girls are forced to relieve themselves in the open or in unsafe areas, increasing the risk of harassment and assault. The absence of separate and secure toilets discourages girls from attending school, especially during menstruation. Gender-sensitive planning in sanitation infrastructure is still lacking in most urban policies.
5. Shortcomings of Government Schemes
Programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) have made notable efforts, but their implementation in urban slums is often weak. While the focus has been on building toilets, less attention is paid to maintenance, behavior change, and community participation. Many slum dwellers still prefer open defecation due to cultural habits or lack of awareness about hygiene-related diseases.
6. Role of Community Participation
Successful sanitation initiatives in slums often involve active community participation. When residents are involved in the planning and upkeep of toilets and waste systems, the outcomes are more sustainable. Local self-help groups, particularly those led by women, have shown success in managing community toilets, promoting handwashing, and educating others about hygiene. Public-private partnerships and NGO involvement are also crucial for creating affordable and innovative sanitation solutions.
7. The Way Forward
To truly address sanitation in urban slums, cities must adopt a holistic approach. This includes upgrading slum infrastructure, ensuring regular water supply, and creating inclusive sanitation facilities. Behavior change campaigns and school-based hygiene education can play a key role in shifting mindsets. Urban policies should focus on long-term investment and recognize sanitation as a human right.
Sanitation and hygiene in urban slums continue to be neglected issues, despite policy-level efforts. The consequences are visible in the poor health and living standards of millions. Solving this challenge requires more than building toilets—it demands community engagement, consistent funding, gender sensitivity, and a commitment to improving the lives of the urban poor.
