Publication

Abstract : Poor quality of water is a serious global issue. Domestic water supplies are one of the fundamental requirements for human life. Diseases due to lack of access to adequate quality water resources, unimproved sanitation and poor hygiene practices cause 4.0% of all the deaths and 5.7% of all the disability or ill health in the world (World Health Organisation-Unsafe drinking water, sanitation and waste management. www.who.int/sustainable-development/cities/health-risks/water-sanitation/en/, [1]). Contaminated drinking water transmits diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio and is estimated to cause more than 500,000 diarrheal deaths every year (World Health Organisation-Unsafe drinking water, sanitation and waste management. www.who.int/sustainable-development/cities/health-risks/water-sanitation/en/, [1]). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usage and degradation of water resources and its impact on waste management practices in the village of Majerdari, West Bengal. A naturalistic methodology was employed, and the study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with households, meetings with key people of the village Amgachia Gram Panchayat and Self Help Groups, observational studies such as mapping of pond water resources etc., collecting quantitative data (income, number of ponds etc.). Results unveiled multiple problems such as vector breeding causing dengue and malaria, diarrhea, degradation of water quality that depletes the quality of fish cultivation, resulting due to dumping waste in the ponds. In all, this paper reviews the evidence of the relationship between the causes leading to degradation of water quality and water quantity usage, access, sanitation practices and health. It also discusses some sustainable clean technological interventions and awareness strategies to prevent water contamination and improved waste management practices among the villages.