Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
flatulence, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, cramping, hepatitis
INFECTIOUS DISEASES, DISEASE, EYE DISEASES, DUMPING, HEPATITIS, POLIO
Water is primarily obtained using unsanitary hand pumps (individual and communal) and bore holes, making unclean water a major problem for the community. The limited water supply affects personal hygiene, preventing regular handwashing and bathing. This in turn increases susceptibility to infectious diseases. Participants identified gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, cramping and flatulence, skin, and eye diseases as common problems resulting from unclean water. Testing by authorized agencies deemed the water, containing a high quantity of total dissolved solids (TDS), unfit for human consumption. Most rural households do not have proper water storage mechanisms, and many residents were unaware of water treatment methods or the consequences of using untreated water. Others who were, were not practicing it due to the lack of time and resources. We discussed methods of improving water quality and supply with the local community, who suggested increasing awareness of the benefits of water treatment, provision of water tanks for proper storage, and installation of filter plants, particularly the Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant.Sanitation is dismal in the rural villages of TMK. We were told that most people do not have access to toilet and latrine facilities and practice open defecation, which pollutes the environment and increases the risk of health problems. Although participants were aware of the resultant problems, including illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, hepatitis, polio, and skin problems, these practices persist. Inefficient waste disposal was another issue faced by the rural community. The municipal committee installs large dustbins at selected disposal points and sweepers are responsible for collection using municipal vehicles. Unfortunately, garbage collection is compromised since there are usually no large dustbins or formal waste collection points in villages. Residents complained that irregular service causes disposal points to be filled beyond capacity, and they are left to manage waste by dumping and burning it in canals and sewage lines. Villages have poor drainage systems. Where pipelines and gutters are installed, lack of maintenance results in frequent overflow. Dirty water is often stagnant on streets and is contaminated with animal and human feces. Being aware of these issues, the local community desired a significant improvement in sanitation and suggested the construction of toilets and separate animal sheds, development of more efficient drainage and garbage disposal systems, and sessions to increase awareness of hygiene practices.Personal hygiene in TMK is inadequate due to irregular bathing and hand washing. The main reasons include unavailability of water, lack of awareness, extreme poverty, and rigorous work burden. According to the local people, initiatives such as awareness programs and distribution of soaps should be used to encourage regular hand washing. To improve current practices, community members should be informed about the importance of washing hands before cooking, ensuring that food is not undercooked, and keeping animals away from the kitchen. This will help maintain food hygiene and limit the spread of disease. 