Introduction Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is an integrated approach that focuses on safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices. Together, these elements form the foundation of public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. Globally, WASH is recognised as a basic human right and a critical factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In India, WASH has been at the centre of several flagship government initiatives, reflecting its importance in improving the quality of life and reducing disease burden. Global context of WASH Historical background The modern concept of WASH emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, when international organisations such as UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank recognised the strong link between water, sanitation, hygiene, and health outcomes. The United Nations declared 1981–1990 as the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade, leading to significant investments in WASH programmes worldwide. Over time, the focus shifted from infrastructure provision alone to behavioural change and sustainability. Present global scenario According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) 2023 report, around 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, and 3.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services. Nearly 2 billion people globally lack basic hygiene facilities like handwashing stations with soap and water. Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South Asia, and conflict-affected regions remain the most deprived in terms of WASH access. Global initiatives Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Calls for universal and equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. WHO/UNICEF WASH Programme: Focuses on monitoring progress, promoting hygiene behaviour, and guiding policy. Human Rights Perspective: In 2010, the UN General Assembly recognised the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right. WASH in the Indian context Historical perspective India has had a long tradition of valuing cleanliness and water management, with references in the Indus Valley Civilisation, Vedic texts, and traditional water harvesting systems. However, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and poverty created severe challenges in providing universal WASH access in modern times. Current status 1.As per National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21): 96% of Indian households have access to an improved source of drinking water. 71% of households have access to improved sanitation facilities, though rural-urban disparities persist. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched in 2014, has transformed India's sanitation landscape by eliminating open defecation in most areas through construction of toilets and behavioural change campaigns. Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, the aim is to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. As of 2025, more than 75% of rural households have access to tap water supply. Government programmes Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Focuses on sanitation coverage, waste management, and behavioural change. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Ensures potable drinking water through household connections. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) & School WASH initiatives: Integrate WASH with maternal and child health, and education. Challenges in India Quality issues: Contamination by arsenic, fluoride, iron, and microbial pathogens in groundwater. Urban-rural divide: Urban areas generally have better WASH infrastructure, but slums and peri-urban areas remain vulnerable. Sustainability: Operation and maintenance of toilets, water schemes, and waste management facilities remain a challenge. Behavioural change: Open defecation and poor hygiene practices continue in some regions despite infrastructure provision. Importance of WASH in India Health benefits: Reduces diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, and vector-borne diseases. Women's dignity and safety: Access to toilets ensures privacy and reduces risk of harassment. Education: Improved WASH facilities in schools lead to higher attendance, particularly for girls. Economic growth: Time saved from fetching water and reduced health expenses improve productivity. Global comparisons While India has made significant strides, challenges remain similar to other developing countries. For example, Bangladesh has achieved near-universal sanitation through community-driven initiatives, while African nations like Ethiopia and Nigeria lag behind. High-income countries, on the other hand, have long established near-universal WASH services, but face issues of ageing infrastructure and climate-linked water stress. Example: From ODF to ODF+ in Gram Panchayat Ramnagar The Gram Panchayat of Ramnagar is a great example of the journey towards sustainable sanitation. Under the initial phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the village achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by building toilets for all households. This was a major accomplishment, but the community soon faced new challenges: where to put their garbage and how to manage the wastewater from kitchens and bathrooms? Under the SBM (Phase-II), Ramnagar transitioned to ODF+ status. With the support of the Sarpanch, a village committee was formed. They implemented a solid waste management system with segregation bins for wet and dry waste and constructed soak pits to manage liquid waste. The committee ensures the toilets are used and maintained and organizes regular community clean-up drives. The role of the Gram Panchayat and community ownership has been crucial in moving from simply building toilets to achieving true cleanliness and sustainability. Conclusion WASH is both a global and national priority, central to achieving health, dignity, and development. India has demonstrated that large-scale political commitment and mass mobilisation can accelerate progress. However, sustaining the gains requires continuous investment in infrastructure, behavioural change, and climate resilience. Globally and in India, WASH is not just about infrastructure but about ensuring equity, sustainability, and inclusion. References WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) Report 2023 – Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Government of India, Ministry of Jal Shakti – Jal Jeevan Mission Dashboard, 2025. National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019–21, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. UN General Assembly Resolution 64/292 (2010) on the human right to water and sanitation.