SDG 6 aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene while eradicating open defecation. It also seeks to enhance water quality, improve water-use efficiency, and promote sustainable extraction and supply of freshwater.

Throughout recent human history, the hydrological cycle has witnessed the evolution of human interventions, as they constructed larger engineering structures to alter the natural flow of streams and rivers. However, a paradigm shift occurred in the mid-20th century, highlighting the need for fundamental changes in our perception of water resources. Although past interventions yielded temporary successes in expanding the water supply, it became evident that addressing new and emerging challenges necessitates a long-term approach that reevaluates our relationship with water resources.

Since gaining independence in 1947, India has remained dedicated to ensuring access to water and sanitation for its population. Notably, significant strides were made after 1960, with a focus on clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Currently, India has achieved a score of 56.6 percent in terms of its progress towards SDG 6. According to the State of India’s Environment Report 2021, India slipped by 2 places to 117 in the ranking of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared to the previous year. Challenges related to SDG-6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation, contributed to the lower ranking. Access to clean water and safe sanitation is crucial for public health and the economy, making SDG-6 of primary importance.

Let’s understand

The Challenges Being Faced By India In Achieving SDG-6

India facing several challenges that require coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, private sector, and communities to implement sustainable water management practices, improve infrastructure, raise awareness, and allocate adequate resources to achieve SDG 6 targets in India.

Water Scarcity – India faces significant water scarcity issues, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Unequal distribution, overexploitation of water resources, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient water management contribute to water scarcity challenges.

Sanitation Infrastructure – Providing adequate sanitation facilities for the entire population remains a challenge. Lack of proper sanitation infrastructure, including toilets and sewage systems, especially in rural areas and urban slums, hinders progress in achieving universal access to sanitation.

Water Pollution and Quality – Contamination of water sources due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste management affects water quality. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all is a challenge, particularly in areas where water sources are polluted.

Open Defecation – Ending open defecation is a significant challenge, especially in rural areas. The lack of proper toilet facilities, cultural beliefs, and limited awareness about sanitation practices contribute to the persistence of open defecation practices.

Behavioral Change – Promoting behavioral change and awareness regarding proper water usage, sanitation practices, and hygiene is crucial. Educating and encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices and sanitation behaviors remains a challenge.

Infrastructure and Financing – Developing and maintaining adequate water and sanitation infrastructure requires substantial investment. Mobilizing sufficient financial resources, both from the government and other sources, is a challenge to meet the infrastructure needs and ensure sustainable water and sanitation services.

Are there any NGOs working towards reducing the ill effects of these challenges and achieving SDG 6?

Also Read : Role of Technology in Water Management

S M Sehgal Foundation

With a commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals, S M Sehgal Foundation strives to foster positive social, economic, and environmental change in rural India. Since its establishment in 1999, this sustainable rural development NGO in India has been dedicated to improving the well-being of rural communities. Through sustainable programs and the support of global donors and partners, the S M Sehgal Foundation empowers individuals and communities across 12 states in India, enabling them to take charge of their own development and achieve a more secure and prosperous life.

Water Harvesting In Agriculture

Under the guidance of a Tank User Group (TUG), the S M Sehgal Foundation, supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, successfully undertook the desiltation and rejuvenation of a village tank in Karnataka’s Kolar district. Over four decades, the tank had suffered reduced water storage capacity due to heavy silt. Additionally, S M Sehgal Foundation’s Agricultural Development Program team works towards building resilience in agriculture, promoting water-use efficiency, soil health, renewable energy, and improved agricultural practices. Their efforts focus on empowering farmers, including women producers, to enhance crop yields, conserve water, and improve soil fertility, ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Public-Private Partnerships For Safe Water In Rural India

In the arid region of Nuh district in Haryana, the availability of surface water resources is limited, leaving groundwater as the primary source for domestic and agricultural use. However, the groundwater in this area is highly saline and of poor quality, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption. Consequently, the villagers suffer from a lack of access to potable water, with some resorting to purchasing water from commercial tankers while others must travel long distances to collect water from government tube wells, ponds, or hand pumps.

To address this pressing issue, S M Sehgal Foundation has collaborated with the Millennium Alliance to implement a transformative solution. As part of this initiative, high-pressure recharge wells have been installed in four schools located in water-scarce villages within the Nagina block. These recharge wells are designed to create freshwater pockets within the saline aquifers, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for drinking purposes specifically within the school premises.

The project not only focuses on the installation of high-pressure recharge wells but also includes a crucial element of community awareness and engagement. The foundation actively disseminates information and educates the local community about the usage and benefits of these recharge wells. By fostering understanding and knowledge, the aim is to encourage the community to adopt similar models at both the household and community levels, thereby mitigating water scarcity and salinity issues. Furthermore, such adoption will contribute to sustainable water conservation and management practices, ultimately benefiting the region as a whole.

Also Read : Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture Development in India

Sustainable Agricultural Water Management

Narnaul in Mahendragarh district of Haryana presents yet another compelling example of the transformative impact of rainwater harvesting in rural India. Haryana, known for its agriculture, heavily relies on farming for sustenance. However, the depleting groundwater level in Narnaul posed a severe threat to the livelihoods of its residents. Additionally, the region’s geographical remoteness exacerbated the situation. In response, S M Sehgal Foundation and HDFC Bank collaborated to construct johads (redundant ponds) in Sarelli and Panchnota villages as part of the Parivartan Pariyojana initiative. This project aimed to enhance the water table in the area, bringing about positive change. Since the construction of these ponds, the local community has developed a heightened awareness and confidence in water management and its benefits.

The post Where Does India Stand With Respect To SDG 6? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

SDG 6, which focuses on inclusive access to clean water and sanitation, holds immense significance due to its close association with various aspects. It directly impacts health by addressing water-borne infections and hygiene-related diseases, contributes to food security through access to irrigation facilities, and supports livelihoods for millions, particularly in developing nations. SDG 6 should be viewed as a fundamental human right and also as an indicator of a country’s human capital functioning. Today, ensuring both equitable distribution and sustainable demand management of water resources is a shared developmental agenda. Challenges such as water scarcity, flooding, and inadequate wastewater management hinder sustainable socio-economic progress.

Since India’s independence in 1947, the nation has remained committed to providing water and sanitation services to its citizens. Through programs supported by UNICEF, India has not only delivered essential services but also imparted long-term training, and technical assistance, and encouraged innovation by leveraging international expertise. These initiatives have actively involved local communities and private sectors, fostering a comprehensive approach to address water and sanitation challenges.

The Challenges In Achieving SDG-6 In India

Addressing the following challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach, involving policy reforms, institutional capacity building, community participation, technological innovations, and international cooperation. Collaborative efforts from governments, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and individuals are essential for achieving SDG 6 and ensuring sustainable access to clean water and sanitation for all in India.

Population growth and urbanization – India’s rapidly growing population and increasing urbanization put immense pressure on water resources and sanitation infrastructure. Managing the water and sanitation needs of a large and expanding population poses significant challenges.

Interstate water disputes – Water sharing and management disputes between different states within India can lead to conflicts and hinder effective water governance. Resolving these disputes and ensuring equitable water allocation is crucial for achieving SDG 6.

Inadequate funding and investment – Insufficient funding for water and sanitation infrastructure development, operation, and maintenance poses a challenge. Mobilizing adequate financial resources and attracting investments in the water sector is essential for sustainable progress.

Rural-urban divide – Disparities in access to clean water and sanitation are prevalent between rural and urban areas. Rural regions often face greater challenges in terms of infrastructure development and service delivery.

Climate change and natural disasters – Increasing climate variability, including erratic rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, affect water availability and quality. Floods, droughts, and cyclones further disrupt water sources and infrastructure.

With the country facing so many challenges, what is the government doing to achieve SDG 6?

Initiatives By The Indian Government To Meet SDG 6.

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to work towards achieving SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. These initiatives, among others, reflect the Indian government’s commitment to achieving SDG 6 targets and addressing water and sanitation challenges. The government continues to implement and strengthen these programs to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation in the country. Some key initiatives include –

Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) – Launched in 2014, this nationwide campaign aims to eliminate open defecation, promote cleanliness, and improve solid waste management. It focuses on constructing toilets, promoting behavior change, and ensuring access to sanitation facilities.

Jal Jeevan Mission – Launched in 2019, this mission aims to provide piped water supply to every household in rural areas of India by 2024. It focuses on water source development, infrastructure creation, capacity building, and community participation.

National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) – This program focuses on providing safe drinking water to rural areas. It aims to ensure the sustainability of water supply schemes, water quality testing, and community-based management of water resources.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) – This scheme was launched in 2018 with the objective of sustainable management of groundwater resources. It focuses on community participation, demand-side management, and strengthening institutional frameworks for groundwater management.

National Urban Sanitation Policy (NUSP) – This policy aims to ensure sanitation and waste management in urban areas. It focuses on promoting sanitation practices, constructing toilets, and implementing solid waste management systems.

National Water Mission (NWM) – Under the NWM, the government works towards sustainable water management, conservation, and reducing water demand. It focuses on enhancing water use efficiency, promoting water-saving technologies, and increasing public awareness.

The government collaborates with reputed NGOs that go into the rural areas and play a crucial role in the campaigning activities to generate awareness regarding these issues, as well as government initiatives to resolve those issues. One such NGO is the –

S M Sehgal Foundation

S M Sehgal Foundation – a sustainable rural development NGO in India, with its extensive experience since 1999, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in rural communities across India. The foundation’s strong presence in twelve states focuses on collective action and participatory approaches to address key rural development challenges. Through research, impact assessment, interactive dialogue, and community engagement, the foundation empowers communities, provides training opportunities, and strives for sustainable outcomes.

The S M Sehgal Foundation operates with a philosophy that emphasizes flexibility while staying firmly committed to its core values and guiding principles of integrity, excellence, professionalism, optimism, and respect. Recognizing the potential of rural communities, the foundation believes that with the right support from civil society organizations and the government, communities can develop their own vision for development and translate their awareness into meaningful action.

Let’s read further and learn more about their contributions to rural India.

A POND REJUVENATION IN ALWAR

In a commendable initiative supported by CSR, S M Sehgal Foundation embarked on a transformative project to revitalize a village pond in Behror block, Alwar district, Rajasthan, in January 2021. The pond faced multiple challenges as its water collection area was limited and overgrown with thorny keekar bushes. Consequently, significant amounts of rainwater cascaded forcefully from the Aravalli hills, flowing through the village without being harnessed, and causing damage to crops in its path.

Recognizing the need for action, the determined villagers and the dedicated project team united their efforts to bring about a comprehensive rejuvenation of the pond. They meticulously worked towards expanding the catchment area, undertaking desilting activities, and strategically redirecting the water flow towards the pond. These concerted actions resulted in a remarkable transformation. Instead of being squandered, the rainwater that once went to waste now finds its rightful place in the village pond.

The impact of this rejuvenation endeavor has been truly remarkable. During the monsoon season of 2021, the revitalized pond, initially designed to store 4.6 million liters of water, successfully accumulated rainwater on seven separate occasions. Its enhanced water storage capacity, now increased to an impressive 16.8 million liters, has provided a vital reservoir for capturing and preserving rainwater. However, the current absence of water in the pond is a testament to its critical role in recharging the groundwater levels beneath.

The positive outcomes extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the pond. The increased groundwater recharge has already begun to elevate the water levels of nearby wells, ensuring a sustainable supply for irrigating crops. It is anticipated that these water levels will further rise by ten to fifteen feet, offering promising prospects for agricultural productivity. Moreover, the thriving pond ecosystem, now restored to its natural state, provides a conducive environment for vibrant plant life and contributes to overall environmental health.

The transformation of the village pond in Behror stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the commitment of the S M Sehgal Foundation to sustainable development. Through this endeavor, not only has water wastage been curbed, but the entire community has witnessed the invaluable benefits of efficient water management. The success of this project serves as an inspiring example for other regions, demonstrating the potential for holistic rejuvenation efforts to ensure a greener, more water-secure future for rural India.

RECHARGE WELL IN A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, KHERLA

In a collaborative effort between S M Sehgal Foundation and Rio Tinto, an innovative and eco-friendly solution was devised to address waterlogging and groundwater depletion in a government senior secondary school, in Kherla. The implementation of a recharge well proved to be a cost-effective and sustainable approach. By allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground through the recharge well, approximately 1.5 million liters of water per year are recharged, effectively tackling both issues simultaneously.

Thanks to installing the recharge well, the school campus no longer suffers from waterlogging. The rainwater effortlessly permeates the ground through the well, ensuring a dry and functional environment for students and staff. Moreover, this ingenious solution contributes to replenishing the water table, combatting the problem of rapid water depletion. As a result, there is increased availability of water for agricultural purposes and consumption, providing much-needed relief to the community.

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“Only when women wield power in sufficient numbers will we create a society that genuinely works for all women.”
~ Anne-Marie Slaughter, American political scientist and public commentator

Over the years, women in rural India have risen to the forefront to play an important role in the rural ecosystem. They are now actively engaged as farmers, wage earners, and small entrepreneurs. Women are still actively engaged in household work as caretakers of their families, including the elderly and children.

In the past, the government’s development efforts sought to target men and women. However, the patriarchal system led to women being more marginalized and excluded from the benefits of programs. Later programs targeted women as child bearers and sustainers and still left out the issue of their empowerment and equitable access to schemes. More recently, India has shown a radical shift toward empowering women along with a growing realization by policymakers that the role of women, especially in rural India, could have a multiplier effect on economic growth. Given an atmosphere where they can emerge from constraints imposed by gender inequality, lack of education and healthcare, women can help to enhance productivity and efficiency and lead to more balanced and inclusive growth.

However, women are still constrained from participation in economic and developmental activity due to gender discrimination and social norms.

The concept of women’s empowerment has often been viewed with suspicion as society still grapples with ingrained issues of patriarchy. In this context, leadership roles assumed by women are viewed critically. Women in rural India remain major contributors to primary healthcare especially in the area of health education. Assuming leadership roles in healthcare enhances their self-esteem and belonging and leads to improvements in women’s health and of their families. In rural areas, given the right training and impetus, village women have proven to have a beneficial role to play in the health and well-being of their community

ISSUES FACED BY WOMEN IN RURAL INDIA

LINKING WOMEN TO HEALTH SERVICES: VOLUNTEER AND FUTURE LEADERS

The National Rural Health Mission looks to provide every village in the country with a trained female community health activist ASHA (accredited social health activist). The ASHA worker is from the respective village and is thus accountable to it. ASHA workers are trained to act as an interface with the villagers and the public health system. Similarly there are anganwadi centers for child welfare and an auxiliary nurse midwife to take care of maternal health. Though the roles played by each overlap and are multipurpose, they are often overworked, considering the population size.

The National Rural Livelihoods Mission leads initiatives in educating the masses on the benefits of food, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene through volunteers and self-help groups. The progress has been steady and was able to cover over 50 million households by 2020.

Women Leaders in Health – The Indian Context

The role of women in rural India as primary caregivers in families and as health workers cannot be underestimated. About 40% of India’s workforce is female and about 30% of this workforce comprises nurses and midwives, and frontline health workers (ASHAs). However, this number dwindles as we go higher in the value chain. Only about 6% of doctors operating in rural areas are female. Thus, we have a situation where the potential of women in the healthcare domain is underexploited. As one looks beyond, the role of women in the field of health remains skewed. Most of the positions of authority are held by men and, as policies are formulated on issues of women’s health and well-being, women themselves have little or no representation. In the absence of proper healthcare across rural India, women bear the brunt as they suffer due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, cervical and breast cancer, etc. This makes them sensitive toward supporting health facilities, antenatal care, immunization, etc.

The reasons for this paucity in health leadership have answers in the deep-rooted issues of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and the dearth of networks and support/ mentoring structures, etc.

Promotion of women’s leadership in health services and across the spectrum is key to better health services. This requires enabling access to the tools and resources, social and political, to help overcome constraints.

The Role of Women as Health Leaders: The Way Forward

Women Volunteers, The Catalysts on the Ground

Women in rural India are being encouraged to take leadership roles in the fight against malnutrition. They now realize that they have a key role to play in providing nutrition through enhanced livelihood. Today’s volunteers will be the leaders of tomorrow as they spread the message. Being involved in various roles as Mahila Kisans or Pashu Sakhis will make them the champion fighters to lead India to meet Sustainable Development Goals and mitigating factors responsible for malnutrition.

Samastipur, Bihar

S M Sehgal Foundation has been working on increasing the awareness of women in Samastipur, Bihar, on preventive and remedial health, timely vaccination of children, and menstrual hygiene.

For taking the message to the grassroots, S M Sehgal Foundation selected and trained 25 swasthya sakhis (women health volunteers) to take the message to the community through ward level meetings and family visits. After training, the women health volunteers conducted the following activities in 25 villages of Samastipur district, Bihar.

Conclusion

As part of the National Nutrition Week, observed from September 1 to September 7, the government works to make people aware of the value of nutrients such as essential proteins and vitamins in our diet. This is an integrated effort by all arms of the government to understand that proper nutrition is essential for the body and for mental health.

Clearly women health volunteers are the leaders who will take healthcare and nutrition in rural India to fulfil the objectives of the National Rural Health Mission. However measures must be taken by policymakers to appreciate women’s role. Culture building and valuing their activities for the good of the community is of primary importance in their retention. Women are the change agents, the leaders who can lead rural India to a healthier tomorrow.

It is imperative to foster women’s leadership in healthcare to enable them to realize their full potential; and for improving quality and access of health services. The need of the hour for improving health service quality and delivery is to improve hiring, mentoring, and enabling networks to bring more women in leadership roles.

FAQs

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पिछले साल लोकसभा में एक प्रश्न के उत्तर में सूचना एवं प्रसारण राज्यमंत्री श्री राज्यवर्धन सिंह रठौर ने बताया था कि पिछले तीन सालों में सरकार को सामुदायिक रेडियो स्थापित करने के लिए 747 आवेदन मिले हैं जिनमें से 62 को ष्लैटर ऑफ इंटेंटष् जारी किये जा चुके हैंए 474 आवेदन विभिन्न कारणों से रद्द किये जा चुके हैं और 201 अभी विचाराधीन हैं। सरकार को लाइसेंस जारी करने की प्रक्रिया में तेजी लाने की जरूरत है।

सामाजिक संगठनों को सामुदायिक रेडियो स्थापित करने तथा उनका सुचारू रूप से संचालन करने के उद्देश्य से अभी जनवरी.फरवरी माह में सरकार ने नए दिशा.निर्देश जारी किये हैं जिनमें शर्तों के साथ निजी तथा राज्य सरकारों के विज्ञापन चलाने के साथ ही आकाशवाणी द्वारा प्रसारित समाचार तथा स्थानीय सूचना से संबंधित कुछ अधिसूचित समाचारों के प्रसारण की इज़ाज़त दी गई है। राजधानी दिल्ली और गुड़गांव की चकाचौंध से दूर दिल्ली से मात्र 70 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित हरियाणा के नूंह जिले में महिलाओं की सोच और उनको आत्मनिर्भर बनाने में सूचना और नई.नई जानकारियों से लैस संचार का सबसे पुरानाए सुलभ साधन सामुदायिक रेडियो अहम भूमिका निभा रहा है। बात सूचना की हो या विकास कीए शिक्षा की हो या चिकित्सा कीए शिकवा हो या शिकायतए सूचना के अधिकार की हो या कानून की बातए किस्से कहानियों हों या हो मेव इतिहास की बातए साफ.सफाई की बात हो या सरकारी योजनाओं की पात्रता की बातए रोजगार की हो या पेंशन की हर सूचना को जन.जन तक यह रेडियो पहुंचा रहा है।

नूंह जिले के घाघस गांव स्थित इसके केन्द्र से आसपास के लगभग 220 गांवों में बदलाव की बयार बह रही है और इसका साफ असर इन गांवों में साफ नजर आता है। सबसे बड़ी बात यह है कि जहां पहले लोग सरकार की योजनाओं से अनभिज्ञ रह जाते थे और अपात्र लोग मिलीभगत करके सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ उठा जाते थेए अब ऐसा कतई नहीं है। लोग जहां अपने कर्तव्यों और अधिकारों को लेकर जागरूक हुए हैं वहीं सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ अब केवल पात्र लोग ही ले पा रहे हैं। रेडियो कार्यक्रमों के जरिए लोगों में इतनी जागरूकता आ गई है कि यदि कोई गलत ढंग से सरकार की किसी योजना का लाभ उठा रहा हो तो यहां के लोग सूचना के अधिकार से जरिए पूरी जानकारी लेकर शिकायत करते हैं।

वर्ष 2012 में केन्द्रीय कृषि मंत्रालय एवं गैर सरकारी संस्थान सहगल फाउंडेशन के सहयोग से स्थापित अल्फाज़.ए.मेवात सामुदायिक रेडियो के सफर के बारे में निदेशक संचारए पूजा मुरादा ने बताया कि रेडियो से समुदाय को जोड़ने के लिए हमने रिपोर्टिंग एवं कार्यक्रमों के प्रसारण के लिए स्थानीय समुदाय की लड़कियों एवं महिलाओं को प्रशिक्षित किया और उन्हें जिम्मेदारी सौंपी। इस सब का परिणाम यह हुआ कि समुदाय हमसे जुड़ता चला गया और अब हमने सफलतापूर्वक 5 साल पूरे कर लिए हैं और क्षेत्र में बदलाव साफ दिखाई देता है।

अगर हम नूंह जिले के गांवों की बात करें तो डिजिटल इंडिया के इस दौर में 10 प्रतिशत से कम घरों में टेलीविज़न हैं। ऐसे में जो महिलाएं पढ़ना.लिखना नहीं जानतीं वे रेडियो सुनकर सारी जानकारियाँ पाती हैं। मेवात क्षेत्र जो अब नूंह जिले के नाम से जाना जाता हैए यहां साक्षरता दर बहुत कम है। मुस्लिम बहुल मेव समुदाय में साक्षरता दर की कमी के चलते यहां 14.15 साल की आयु में ही लड़कियों की शादी कर दी जाती थी। लड़कियों को दूर.दराज के स्कूलों में पढ़ने भेजना तो यहां की संस्कृति के खिलाफ माना जाता था लेकिन कई एनण्जीण्ओण् और स्वयंसेवी संगठनों की पहल का नतीजा यह हुआ है कि अब यहां की लड़कियां न सिर्फ स्कूल.कॉलेजों में पढ़ने जाने लगी हैं बल्कि रोजगारपरक प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त करके अपना व्यवसाय करने लगी हैं और जहां अवसर मिलता है घर.गांव से बाहर निकल कर रोज़गार भी प्राप्त कर रही हैं। आज यहां महिलाएं और किशोरियां इतनी सशक्त हुई हैं कि रेडियो कार्यक्रमों की लाइव चर्चाओं में भाग लेती हैंए अपनी राय प्रकट करती हैंए साथ ही गाँव में कुछ महिला समूह ऐसे भी हैं जो रेडियो कार्यक्रमों को बनाने में सहयोग करते हैं। खास बात यह है कि रेडियो की लाइव चर्चाओं में हरियाणा तथा केन्द्र सरकार के अधिकारी खुद सरकारी योजनाओं की जानकारी समुदाय को देते हैं।

The post महिलाओं को जागरूक करने में सामुदायिक रेडियो सफल appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.