TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
Pulchowk Campus

An Assignment on

WASH Plan of Bhajani Rural Municipality (in case of Earthquake and Flood
Disaster)

Submitted by:
Sushrut Gautam

Submitted to:
Er. Nagendra Raj Sitaula
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Table of contents
1. Introduction and Background: ........................................................................................................... 2
2. Objectives and Scope:.......................................................................................................................... 3
3. Importance: .......................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Situation of WASH in Municipality ................................................................................................... 4
5. Challenges and Gaps in WASH .......................................................................................................... 6
6. WASH Plan: ......................................................................................................................................... 7
a) Earthquake Disaster ........................................................................................................................ 7
b) Flood.................................................................................................................................................. 8
7. Plan, Projection and Costing ............................................................................................................10
8. References...........................................................................................................................................11
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1. Introduction and Background:

In disaster risk management, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) plans are vital for protecting
public health and minimizing the impact of disasters like floods and earthquakes. These events
disrupt access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases
and harming communities. Understanding the background of WASH plans in flood and earthquake
contexts requires recognizing the unique challenges posed by each disaster. Floods contaminate
water sources and damage infrastructure, while earthquakes damage pipelines and sanitation
systems, highlighting the urgent need for effective WASH strategies. Governments, humanitarian
organizations, and communities are prioritizing the development of tailored WASH plans to
address these challenges in disaster-prone regions. This report offers insights into the Bhajani
Municipality's WASH Plan for addressing earthquake and flood disasters.

Bhajani, situated in the Kailali District of the Sudurpashchim Province in Nepal, is a Municipality
with a population of 52,128 according to the 2011 Nepal census. It shares borders with Tikapur
Municipality and Joshipur Rural Municipality to the East, Kailari Rural Municipality to the West,
Ghodaghodi Municipality to the North, and Tikunia, Uttar Pradesh to the South. Divided into 9
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wards, Bhajani Municipality recorded a total population of 51,845 in 2011, comprising 25,716
males and 26,129 females. Among its wards, ward number 3 had the highest population at 6,463,
while ward number 2 had the lowest. In terms of households, Bhajani Municipality counted a total
of 8,717 households, with ward number 1 having the most households at 1,107 and ward number
2 with the least at 700.

2. Objectives and Scope:

The primary goal of the WASH Plan is to protect the health and welfare of disaster-affected
communities by ensuring access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services. This
encompasses several specific objectives, including the provision of safe water sources for drinking
and hygiene, the establishment of sanitation facilities to prevent disease transmission, the
promotion of hygienic practices, and the enhancement of community resilience through education
and capacity-building initiatives. The WASH Plan operates across all phases of the disaster
management cycle, starting with pre-disaster preparedness activities such as risk assessments and
infrastructure development. During emergencies, immediate relief efforts focus on providing
essential services like water supply and sanitation facilities. In the recovery and reconstruction
phase, the plan supports the restoration of WASH infrastructure and promotes long-term
sustainability through community engagement and capacity-building efforts.

3. Importance:
The significance of the WASH Plan cannot be overstated, particularly in disaster-affected areas
where access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is crucial for preserving human health and
dignity. In earthquake and flood disasters, the breakdown of water and sanitation systems
exacerbates the already severe humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of implementing
effective WASH strategies. Earthquakes disrupt water supply and sanitation systems, leading to
an urgent need for clean water and adequate sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
Floods contaminate water sources and damage infrastructure, heightening the risk of waterborne
diseases. The WASH Plan coordinates emergency response efforts to provide life-saving
interventions, including access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, in the immediate
aftermath of disasters. Moreover, it supports long-term recovery by promoting resilient
infrastructure designs that can withstand future events and mitigate disease outbreaks. In both
earthquake and flood disasters, the timely implementation of the WASH Plan is crucial for saving
lives, reducing suffering, and fostering resilience and sustainable development in affected regions.
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4. Situation of WASH in Municipality

In Bhajani Municipality, 139 houses were equipped with piped tap water resources, while 8,354
houses reported having tubewell water facilities. Additionally, 6 houses had covered wells,
whereas 5 houses lacked a cover on their tubewell. Other water resources included spout water,
reported by 3 households, and river stream water, reported by another 3 households, as their
primary source of water.

Source of Drinking Water

• Tube well 95.84%
• Tap/Piped 1.59%
• Others 1.81%
• Covered well 0.07%
• Uncovered well 0.06%
• Not Stated 0.56%

Tube well: A tube well is a type of water well that consists of a long, narrow tube (usually made
of metal or PVC) that is drilled into the ground to access groundwater. A pump is used to draw
water from the aquifer to the surface. Tube wells are commonly used in areas where access to
surface water is limited, and they provide a reliable source of groundwater for drinking, irrigation,
and other purposes.
Tap/Piped: Tap or piped water refers to water that is supplied through a network of pipes and
distributed to households and businesses. This water is typically sourced from surface water bodies
(such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs) or groundwater aquifers. Tap water is treated to meet safety
and quality standards before being delivered to consumers. Piped water systems are commonly
found in urban areas and provide a convenient and reliable source of clean water for drinking,
cooking, bathing, and other domestic uses.
Others: The category of "Others" likely includes alternative or less common sources of water that
are not explicitly mentioned in the list. This could include sources such as rainwater harvesting,
surface water (e.g., rivers, lakes, or streams), water purchased from vendors, or water obtained
from springs or boreholes.
Covered well: A covered well is a traditional water well that is protected by a cover or lid. The
cover helps prevent contamination of the water by debris, animals, or pollutants. Covered wells
are typically found in rural areas and may be used for domestic water supply, livestock watering,
or irrigation purposes.
Uncovered well: An uncovered well is a traditional water well that does not have any protective
covering. These wells are typically open to the elements and may be at risk of contamination from
surface runoff, debris, and pollutants. Uncovered wells are less common today due to concerns
about water quality and health risks associated with unprotected water sources.
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Not Stated: This category refers to cases where the water source was not specified or reported. It
could be due to incomplete data collection, respondents choosing not to disclose their water source,
or other reasons. Data on water sources are important for understanding access to clean and safe
water and for planning water resource management strategies

Types of Toilet
• Without toilet 60.71%
• Flush 20.08%
• Ordinary toilet 8.68%
• Not Stated 0.54%

Without toilet: This category refers to households or individuals who do not have access to a toilet
facility. In such cases, individuals may practice open defecation, which involves relieving
themselves outdoors in fields, bushes, or bodies of water. Lack of access to proper sanitation
facilities like toilets can pose significant health risks due to the spread of diseases and
environmental contamination.
Flush: Flush toilets are a type of toilet commonly found in urban areas and connected to a sewer
system or septic tank. These toilets use water to flush waste through a drainpipe to a centralized
wastewater treatment facility or a septic system. Flush toilets are typically considered more
hygienic and convenient compared to other types of toilets.
Ordinary toilet: The term "ordinary toilet" is not explicitly defined, but it likely refers to basic
toilet facilities that do not use a flush mechanism. This could include pit latrines, bucket toilets, or
simple pit toilets. These types of toilets are commonly found in rural areas and may not have the
same level of sanitation and convenience as flush toilets but still provide a means for safe disposal
of human waste.
Not Stated: This category indicates cases where the type of toilet facility was not specified or
reported. It could be due to incomplete data collection, respondents choosing not to disclose their
toilet facilities, or other reasons. Understanding the distribution of different types of toilet facilities
is crucial for assessing access to sanitation and hygiene services and implementing appropriate
interventions to improve public health and sanitation standards
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5. Challenges and Gaps in WASH

Based on the data provided, here are some challenges and gaps in the Water, Sanitation, and
Hygiene (WASH) sector:
Lack of Access to Toilets: The fact that 60.71% of respondents reported having no toilet indicates
a significant gap in access to basic sanitation facilities. This poses numerous challenges, including
issues related to public health, dignity, and safety, especially for women and vulnerable
populations.
Sanitation Disparities: Disparities exist in the types of toilets used, with only 20.08% having access
to flush toilets and 8.68% having access to ordinary toilets. This highlights disparities in sanitation
infrastructure and access to improved sanitation technologies, which can lead to differences in
health outcomes and quality of life.
Quality of Sanitation Facilities: The low percentage of households with access to flush toilets or
ordinary toilets suggests potential challenges with the quality and adequacy of sanitation facilities.
This can impact hygiene practices, waste management, and environmental contamination.
Inadequate Data Reporting: The percentages of "Not Stated" responses for both toilet types and
source of drinking water indicate gaps in data collection and reporting. Without accurate and
comprehensive data, it is challenging to assess the effectiveness of WASH interventions and
address specific needs in communities.
Access to Safe Drinking Water: While the majority of respondents (95.84%) reported using tube
wells as their primary source of drinking water, there are still some households (4.16%) relying on
other sources. Ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water remains a critical challenge in
many regions, particularly in areas prone to water contamination or scarcity.
Water Quality and Contamination Risks: The presence of uncovered wells (0.06%) highlights
potential risks of water contamination, which can lead to waterborne diseases and other health
issues. Addressing water quality concerns and implementing measures to prevent contamination
are essential for ensuring public health and safety.
Sustainability of Water Sources: Depending heavily on tube wells for drinking water raises
concerns about the sustainability of groundwater resources, especially in areas susceptible to
depletion or pollution. Sustainable water management practices are crucial for preserving water
sources and meeting the long-term needs of communities.
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6. WASH Plan:

a) Earthquake Disaster

Preparedness Phase:

• Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and communities prone to

earthquakes.
• Develop emergency response plans specifically addressing WASH needs, including
contingency plans for water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion.
• Establish coordination mechanisms among relevant stakeholders, including government
agencies, NGOs, community groups, and international organizations.
• Train local communities in disaster preparedness, including basic first aid, emergency
sanitation practices, and safe water handling.

Emergency Response Phase:

• Rapidly deploy emergency WASH supplies, including water purification tablets, hygiene
kits, portable toilets, and handwashing stations, to affected areas.
• Establish emergency water distribution points equipped with safe drinking water and
ensure equitable access for all affected populations.
• Set up emergency sanitation facilities, such as temporary latrines and waste management
systems, to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Conduct hygiene promotion activities to educate communities on safe hygiene practices,
including handwashing, proper waste disposal, and food handling.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase:

• Assess and repair damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, including water supply
systems, sewage networks, and sanitation facilities.
• Promote community-led initiatives for rebuilding WASH infrastructure, incorporating
resilience measures to withstand future earthquakes.
• Implement long-term WASH interventions focused on sustainable water management,
sanitation improvement, and hygiene behavior change.
• Strengthen local capacity in disaster risk reduction and WASH management through
training programs, technical support, and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Cross-Cutting Considerations:

• Ensure inclusivity and gender sensitivity in WASH interventions, addressing the specific
needs of women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Incorporate environmental sustainability principles into WASH planning and
implementation, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting eco-friendly practices.
• Foster community participation and ownership in decision-making processes, empowering
local communities to take an active role in disaster response and recovery efforts.
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• Enhance coordination and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, fostering

partnerships across sectors to leverage resources and expertise for more effective WASH
interventions.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress and impact
of WASH interventions throughout the disaster management cycle.
• Collect data on key WASH indicators, including access to safe water, sanitation coverage,
hygiene behaviors, and disease prevalence.
• Use monitoring findings to inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and
adjust intervention strategies as needed to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of
WASH efforts.

b) Flood

Preparedness Phase:
• Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify flood-prone areas,
vulnerable populations, and potential WASH infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Early Warning Systems: Establish or strengthen early warning systems to provide timely
alerts to communities at risk of flooding, allowing them to take necessary precautions.
• Emergency Supplies Prepositioning: Stockpile essential WASH supplies, including water
purification tablets, hygiene kits, sanitation equipment, and emergency water storage
containers, in strategic locations for rapid deployment.
• Community Training and Capacity Building: Conduct training sessions and community
awareness campaigns on flood preparedness, safe water storage, hygiene practices, and
sanitation in anticipation of flood events.

Earthen raised single-pit latrines

Implementing earthen raised single-pit latrines in flood-prone areas necessitates strategic planning
to mitigate flood-related risks and ensure functionality. Site selection should prioritize elevated
locations less susceptible to flooding, and community involvement is crucial for identifying
suitable sites. Latrine design should incorporate raised platforms to elevate the superstructure
above flood levels, with reinforced foundations and liners to prevent structural damage and
seepage during flooding. Regular maintenance and pit desludging schedules are essential to
prevent pit overflow and minimize environmental contamination.
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Response Phase:
• Emergency Water Supply: Ensure access to safe drinking water by establishing emergency
water distribution points equipped with water treatment facilities or distributing pre-treated
water to affected communities.
• Sanitation Facilities: Set up temporary sanitation facilities such as portable toilets,
handwashing stations, and bathing areas to maintain hygiene standards and prevent the
spread of waterborne diseases.
• Waste Management: Implement strategies for managing flood-related waste, including
debris removal, solid waste collection, and safe disposal to minimize environmental
contamination and health risks.
• Vector Control: Implement vector control measures to prevent the proliferation of disease-
carrying mosquitoes and other pests in flooded areas, including larviciding, insecticide
spraying, and environmental management.
• Health Services: Ensure access to healthcare services, including medical treatment for
waterborne diseases, immunizations, and reproductive health services, through mobile
health clinics or temporary medical facilities.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Phase:
• WASH Infrastructure Repair and Reconstruction: Prioritize the repair and reconstruction
of damaged WASH infrastructure, including water supply systems, sanitation facilities,
and drainage systems, to restore access to essential services.
• Livelihood Support: Provide livelihood support to affected communities to enable them to
recover from the economic impacts of flooding, which may include cash assistance,
vocational training, or small business grants.
• Community Resilience Building: Work with communities to develop and implement long-
term resilience-building measures, such as flood-resistant housing, rainwater harvesting
systems, and community-based early warning systems, to reduce vulnerability to future
flood events.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct post-disaster assessments to evaluate the
effectiveness of the WASH response, identify lessons learned, and inform future disaster
preparedness and response efforts.
Coordination and Partnerships:
• Multi-Sectoral Coordination: Establish coordination mechanisms involving government
agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations
(CBOs), and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to WASH
response and recovery efforts.
• Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local authorities, humanitarian agencies, academic
institutions, and private sector entities to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for
effective WASH interventions in flood-affected areas.
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By implementing this comprehensive WASH plan for flood disaster management, communities
can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood events while safeguarding public health
and promoting resilience.

7. Plan, Projection and Costing

Developing a plan, projection, and costing for a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program
involves several key steps to ensure effective implementation and budgeting. Here's a structured
approach:
Needs Assessment and Planning:
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify gaps and priorities in WASH
services within the target communities.
• Engage with community members, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to
understand their needs, preferences, and challenges.
• Develop a WASH plan outlining specific objectives, strategies, and activities based on the
identified needs and priorities.
• Ensure alignment with national policies, international standards, and sectoral guidelines.
Projection:
• Estimate the projected population growth, demographic trends, and changes in WASH
demand over the program period.
• Consider factors such as urbanization, migration, climate change, and other relevant
contextual factors that may impact WASH service delivery.
• Use data from needs assessments, baseline surveys, and demographic studies to inform
projections for water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion activities.
Costing:
• Break down the WASH program into specific components, such as water supply,
sanitation, hygiene promotion, capacity building, and monitoring.
• Estimate the costs associated with each component, including infrastructure construction,
equipment procurement, operational expenses, personnel costs, and overheads.
• Consider both capital costs (initial investments) and recurrent costs (ongoing operational
and maintenance expenses) over the program's lifespan.
• Utilize cost estimation tools, unit cost databases, market assessments, and expert
consultations to ensure accurate and realistic cost projections.
• Factor in contingencies and cost escalation due to inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and
unforeseen circumstances.
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• Develop a detailed budget outlining the total cost of the WASH program, including sources
of funding, budget allocation by activity/component, and financing mechanisms (e.g.,
grants, loans, public-private partnerships).
• Prioritize investments based on cost-effectiveness, impact, sustainability, and equity
considerations.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress, measure
outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of WASH interventions.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for each component of the WASH program to
monitor inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
• Conduct regular monitoring activities, such as field visits, surveys, interviews, and data
collection, to assess program implementation and identify any deviations from the plan.
• Use evaluation findings to inform adaptive management, improve program design, and
make evidence-based decisions on resource allocation and prioritization.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management, reporting, and utilization
of funds to donors, partners, and stakeholders.

8. References
• P7_Kailali_Bhajani_2020 (un.org.np)
• Bhajani Municipality Profile | Facts & Statistics – Nepal Archives
• Bhajani - Wikipedia