ETHICS, RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY

REPORT ON: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Submitted By:
Name- Rishabh Thakur
Roll No- 23WU0202230
Submitted to:
Dr. Indra Das Gupta
( Assistant Professor Sustainability)
INTRODUCTION:

1. Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by all
United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet,
and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. They address a wide
range of interconnected issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change,
environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

6th Goal- Clean Water and Sanitation

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health
and well-being. Billions of people will lack access to these basic services in 2030 unless
progress quadruples. Demand for water is rising owing to rapid population growth,
urbanization and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors.

The demand for water has outpaced population growth, and half the world’s population
is already experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year. Water scarcity
is projected to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a result of climate change.

Investments in infrastructure and sanitation facilities; protection and restoration of

water- related ecosystems; and hygiene education are among the steps necessary to
ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, and
improving water-use efficiency is one key to reducing water stress.
There has been positive progress. Between 2015 and 2022, the proportion of the world’s
population with access to safely managed drinking water increased from 69 per cent to
73 per cent.

1.1 Goals and Objectives of the 6th Sustainable Development Goal:

The specific goals and objectives of SDG 6 are:

1. Ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water:

By focusing on reaching all communities, including marginalized and vulnerable

populations, with safe and affordable drinking water services.

2. Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all:

By addressing the sanitation needs of all individuals, with special attention to the
requirements of women and girls, as well as those in vulnerable situations.

3. End open defecation:

By implementing strategies and infrastructure that eliminate open defecation practices,

and promoting hygiene and sanitation.
4. Improve water quality, reduce pollution, and protect water ecosystems:

By implementing measures to enhance water quality, reduce pollution, and safeguard

water-related ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers.

5. Increase water-use efficiency and address water scarcity:

By promoting efficient use of water resources in various sectors and developing

strategies to cope with water scarcity, particularly in regions facing water stress.

6. Implement integrated water resources management:

By adopting comprehensive and coordinated approaches to manage water resources at

local, national, and transboundary levels, ensuring sustainable and equitable use.

7. Protect and restore water-related ecosystems:

By implementing measures to safeguard and rehabilitate ecosystems connected to water

bodies, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience.

8. Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support:

By providing support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities,

including technology transfer, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling, and
reuse technologies.

9. Support and strengthen the participation of local communities:

By empowering local communities to actively engage in decision-making processes

related to water and sanitation management, ensuring that their perspectives and needs
are considered.
2. Targets of the 6th Sustainable Development Goal:

6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable
drinking water for all

6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene
for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women
and girls and those in vulnerable situations

6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping

and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the
proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and
safe reuse globally

6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and
ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water
scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water
scarcity

6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels,

including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains,

forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

6. A By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support

to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs,
including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater
treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

6. B Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving

water and sanitation management.
 .

2.1 Outcomes of SDG 6:

Increased access to safe drinking water: Between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of
people with access to safe drinking water increased from 61% to 89%. This is a
significant achievement, but there are still 2.2 billion people who lack access to safe
drinking water.

Improved sanitation and hygiene: Between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people
with access to improved sanitation increased from 52% to 68%. This is also a significant
achievement, but there are still 2.3 billion people who lack access to improved
sanitation.

Reduced water pollution: Between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of wastewater treated
before discharge decreased from 56% to 52%. This is a disappointing trend, and it
highlights the need for more investment in wastewater treatment.

Increased water-use efficiency: Between 2000 and 2015, water withdrawal for
agriculture decreased by 13%. This is a positive trend, but it is still not enough to offset
the increase in water demand from other sectors.

3. Period of the 6th Sustainable Development Goal:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the 6th goal related to water
and sanitation, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in September 2015.
The official period for achieving the SDGs is set from 2015 to 2030. Therefore, the
target year for the 6th SDG, "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water
and sanitation for all," is 2030.

4. Statistical Data ( National and International Level):

FACTS AND FIGURES ( INTERNATIONAL):

Progress towards the target of halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030
is limited. Based on data from 140 countries and territories, about 58 percent of
household wastewater was safely treated in 2022. However, wastewater statistics are
lacking in many countries and reporting is low, especially from industrial sources.

Data from 2017–2020 indicate that 60 percent of assessed water bodies in 97 countries
had good ambient water quality. Countries with robust monitoring systems showed
positive trends: 44 percent of countries reporting in both 2017 and 2020 were on track
to improve water quality. However, a lack of data poses a risk to more than 3 billion
people living in areas where the quality of freshwater is unknown. Agriculture and
untreated wastewater are major threats to water quality, with nitrogen and phosphorus
measurements frequently failing to meet targets. Efforts are needed to improve farming
practices and wastewater treatment, especially in regions with high population growth.

*Global urban and rural population without safely managed drinking water, safely managed
sanitation, and basic hygiene services, 2015/17–2022 (billions)
 *The proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality, 2017–2020
(percentage)

* Integrated water-resources-management implementation progress, 2017–

2020
 *Water-use efficiency, 2015 and 2020 (USD/m3 )

FACTS AND FIGURE ( NATIONAL ):

Access to Safe Drinking Water:

India: In 2022, 89% of the Indian population used safely managed drinking water
services, up from 64% in 1990. However, 320 million people still lacked safely
managed drinking water services, including 108 million who did not have even a
basic drinking water service.
Regional: Rural India has the lowest access to safely managed drinking water
services, with only 78% of the population using them in 2022. Urban India has the
second lowest access, with 96% of the population using them.

Access to Safe Sanitation

India: In 2022, 36% of the Indian population used safely managed sanitation
services, up from 22% in 2015. However, 945 million people still lacked safely
managed sanitation services, including 549 million who were without even a basic
sanitation service.
Regional: Rural India has the lowest access to safely managed sanitation services,
with only 29% of the population using them in 2022. Urban India has the second
lowest access, with 46% of the population using them..

*The trend in access to safe drinking water in households in India (in percent)
5. Ensuring Ethical Water and Sanitation for a Sustainable Future:

5.1 Keeping Ethical Standards:

Human Right to Water: Ethical standards are upheld when countries recognize the
human right to water and sanitation. For example, South Africa's post-apartheid
constitution explicitly acknowledges the right to access clean water and sanitation,
leading to legislative and policy changes that prioritize this right.

The Blue Diversion Toilet: This innovative toilet technology, developed by the Swiss
Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, not only treats human waste but
also recovers valuable resources like energy and nutrients. It exemplifies ethical
standards by addressing sanitation in an environmentally sustainable way.

Upholding Ethical Standards:

Community Water Cooperatives: Establish community-based water cooperatives that

empower local communities to manage their water resources.

Blockchain for Transparent Water Management: Implement blockchain technology for

transparent and secure management of water resources.

5.2 Responsible Behaviour examples for meeting the 6th goal:

Community-Led Sanitation Initiatives: This program encourages communities to adopt

responsible sanitation practices and rewards them for achieving open defecation-free
status.

Bio-Latrine Toilets: These toilets use innovative bio-digester technology to convert

human waste into biogas and organic fertilizer, promoting responsible waste
management.

Promoting Responsible Behavior:

Hygiene Education: Implement hygiene education programs to promote responsible
behavior.

Sanitation Micro-Entrepreneurship; Individuals can start businesses related to toilet

construction, maintenance, and waste management, fostering responsible behavior .

5.3 Achieving Sustainable Reach for 6th Goal :

Fog Harvesting Nets: In arid regions with limited water sources, fog-harvesting nets
are an innovative solution

Mobile Water Treatment Units: Mobile water treatment units equipped with advanced
filtration and purification technologies can be rapidly deployed to disaster-stricken or
remote areas.

The "Peepoo" Bag: The Peepoo bag is a portable and biodegradable toilet designed for
emergency and disaster situations.

6. How we will reach the goal by 2030?

Strengthen WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Education and Awareness:

Implement comprehensive WASH education and awareness campaigns to promote
proper hygiene practices, sanitation awareness, and water conservation behaviors.

Empower Local Communities and Stakeholders: Engage local communities and

stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of water and sanitation
projects to ensure sustainability and ownership.

Leverage Technology and Innovation: Utilize innovative technologies and smart

solutions to optimize water resource management, improve sanitation systems, and
enhance service delivery.
Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between governments
and private sector entities to mobilize resources, expertise, and innovation for water
and sanitation projects.

Strengthen International Cooperation: Foster international cooperation and

partnerships to share knowledge, best practices, and financial resources for achieving
Goal 6.

7. My Initiative:

Initiative: Community Water Heroes Challenge

Purpose: To gamify water conservation and sanitation practices, turning community

members into water heroes who save water, promote sustainable habits, and inspire
others to follow suit.

Objectives:

To transform water conservation into an engaging and rewarding experience.

To encourage individuals and households to adopt eco-friendly water practices.

To foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility for water stewardship.

To create a positive impact on water usage and sanitation practices in the community.
Full Procedure:

Day 1:

Launch the challenge: Announce the Community Water Heroes Challenge at a

community event or through local media outlets.

Create a user-friendly platform: Develop a website or mobile app that serves as the
headquarters for the challenge, providing information, tracking progress, and rewarding
participants.

Day 2:

Establish a points system: Design a points system that rewards participants for adopting
water conservation practices, such as reducing water usage, fixing leaks, and
implementing water-efficient appliances.

Introduce gamified elements: Incorporate game-like elements, such as badges,

leaderboards, and challenges, to increase engagement and motivation.

Day 3:

Provide personalized water conservation plans: Offer participants personalized water

conservation plans based on their household size, water usage patterns, and
conservation goals.

Partner with local businesses: Collaborate with local businesses to offer discounts or
incentives to participants who demonstrate significant water savings.

Day 4:

Host community water conservation events: Organize events, such as water

conservation workshops, community cleanups, and water-saving competitions, to
promote awareness and engagement.

Encourage peer-to-peer learning: Create online forums or social media groups where
participants can share tips, strategies, and success stories related to water conservation.

Day 5:
Recognize and reward water heroes: Publicly recognize and reward participants who
achieve significant water savings or make outstanding contributions to water
conservation efforts.

Share success stories and impact: Highlight the positive impact of the challenge and the
achievements of individual water heroes through social media campaigns and
community events.

Day 6:

Organize a water conservation celebration: Host a community celebration to

commemorate the success of the challenge and the collective efforts towards water
conservation.

Establish a water hero legacy program: Create a program to continue recognizing and
supporting water heroes beyond the challenge, encouraging them to inspire others and
promote water sustainability.

Day 7:

Embed water conservation into community culture: Work with local organizations and
businesses to incorporate water conservation practices into their operations and
promote water stewardship as a community value.

Continue inspiring water heroes: Encourage participants to maintain their water-saving

habits and continue their journey as water heroes, inspiring others to follow suit.

Activities Involved:

Developing a gamified platform: Creating a website or mobile app with interactive

features, tracking systems, and gamified elements to enhance engagement.

Designing a points system and challenges: Establishing a reward system that motivates
participants to adopt water conservation practices and sets achievable goals.

Organizing community events and workshops: Hosting events to educate, inspire, and
engage community members in water conservation efforts.

Promoting peer-to-peer learning and support: Creating online forums or social media
groups where participants can share experiences and motivate each other.
Recognizing and rewarding water heroes: Publicly acknowledging and celebrating
participants who make significant contributions to water conservation.

Establishing a water hero legacy program: Creating an ongoing initiative to support and
inspire water heroes to continue their efforts and promote water stewardship.

Salaries to be Paid:

Game developers and platform designers: Fees for creating and maintaining the
gamified platform, ensuring its user-friendliness and effectiveness.

Community event organizers and facilitators: Salaries for planning, organizing, and
facilitating community events, workshops, and water conservation activities.

Social media managers and content creators: Fees for managing social media accounts,
engaging the community, and promoting water conservation content.

Marketing and communications specialists: Salaries for developing and implementing

marketing and communication campaigns to promote the challenge, its impact, and the
importance of water sustainability.

Expected Societal Impact:

Increased water conservation: By gamifying water conservation and promoting

sustainable habits, the initiative can effectively reduce water consumption and promote
water stewardship.

Enhanced community engagement and ownership: The challenge can foster a sense of
ownership and responsibility for water resources among community members,
encouraging collective action.

Positive behavioral changes and habit formation: By incorporating gamified elements

and peer-to-peer learning, the initiative can encourage the adoption of water-saving
habits that become ingrained in daily routines.