ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING TOTAL SANITATION: PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION INDEX OF INDIA

Abstract

Sanitation is unequivocally a preventive measure in achieving human health and environmental
upkeep. Sanitation is a holistic package comprising personal hygiene, safe drinking water, and
unpolluted neighborhood, facilities for safe disposal of sewage and solid waste and provision for
disposal of human waste. Measurement of sanitation facilities is no easy task as it involves both
qualitative and quantitative inputs. An attempt was made to engage secondary source of
quantitative information on sanitation variables like drinking water and access to toilet facilities
in framing and Environmental Sanitation Index. This paper aims to discuss the methodology of
preparation of Environmental Sanitation Index and the estimated indices for all the states and
union territories of India. The Environmental Sanitation Index shall help identify the performing
states vis-à-vis underperforming states in regard to sanitation. This may act as a reckoner for
policy making body to plan for enhanced sanitation facilities in India.