Call to 'refocus' on WASH in arsenic-affected areas of Assam, Bihar to fight Covid-19

By Prithvi R Bommaraboyina*
India as whole has more than 60 million people prone to disease, disability and death by consumption of arsenic and fluoride contaminated water. As of now the world is undergoing a critical Covid-19 health crisis, the risk is future elevated in Bihar and Assam, by the natural disaster, viz., flood and migrant labour movement.
Good sanitation and hygiene are key principles in fighting the diseases, while it is directly linked to water. In this said situation, the requirement of a safe portable water, improved access of water is the need of the hour as there is increased emphasis on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) which is linked to an entire cluster of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the much serious issue of water quality, especially in regards of the arsenic in an integrated manner, connecting the stakeholders, designing and implementing the mitigation activities and to ensure the safe portable water is already initiated by South Asian Consortium for interdisciplinary water resources studies (SaciWATERs) in Buxar, Bhagalpur of Bihar and Nalbari, Jorhat of Assam, the very heart where the problem groundwater quality lies.
Living through this global pandemic, and in spite of recent domestic water supply schemes in both states, there are pertaining socio-technical issues and knowledge gaps related to the domestic water supply such as the quantity, quality, and frequency of water supply for the domestic needs. In the present condition demand for safe water is comparatively higher than usual considering the special water needs.
Understanding the importance of the water in fighting virus, this is an open letter call to the state governments and administration to refocus on the arsenic affected areas of the states of Assam and Bihar; on overlooked issues in relation to water directly related to the present Covid-19 like WASH and immunity, which makes this area more susceptible to infection. In a long- and mid-term Covid-19 response, we should include plans that cater water needs to specific communities that form a part of the social ecosystem.
To do that, we need to understand WASH in niche vulnerabilities. It is therefore important to accelerate capacity building towards understanding the socio technicalities of WASH under Covid-19, thus to empower the key stakeholders with information on the issues, best practices and possible immediate action required.
---
*Researcher at SaciWATERs, Hyderabad

Comments

When democracy becomes a performance: The Tibetan exile experience

By Tseten Lhundup* I was born in Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in southern India. From childhood, I grew up in simple barracks, along muddy roads, and in fields with limited resources. Over the years, I have watched our democratic system slowly erode. Observing the recent budget session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, these “democratic procedures” appear grand and orderly on the surface, yet in reality they amount to little more than empty formalities. The parliamentarians seem largely disconnected from the everyday struggles faced by ordinary exiled Tibetans like us.

Civil society flags widespread violations of land acquisition Act before Parliamentary panel

By Jag Jivan Civil society organisations and stakeholders from across India have presented stark evidence before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj , alleging systemic violations of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013 , particularly in Scheduled Areas and tribal regions.

Beyond the island: Top mythologist reorients the geography of the Ramayana

By Jag Jivan In a compelling new analysis that challenges conventional geographical assumptions about the ancient epic, writer and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik has traced the roots of the Ramayana to the forests and river systems of Central and Eastern India, rather than the peninsular south or the modern island nation of Sri Lanka.

Dr. Ram Bux Singh: Biogas pioneer’s legacy gains urgency amid energy crisis

By A Representative In an era defined by a global energy crisis and a desperate search for sustainable solutions, the visionary work of an Indian scientist from the mid-20th century is finding renewed, urgent relevance. Dr. Ram Bux Singh , a pioneering figure in biogas and renewable energy , is being posthumously honored by the Government of India, even as his decades-old innovations provide a blueprint for today’s challenges.

Alarming decline in India's repair culture threatens circular economy goals: Study

By Jag Jivan A comprehensive new study by environmental research and advocacy organisation Toxics Link has painted a worrying picture of India's fading repair culture, warning that the trend towards replacement over repair is accelerating the country's already critical e-waste crisis.

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Protesters in UK cities voice concerns over alleged developments in Bastar region

By A Representative Demonstrations were held across several cities in the United Kingdom on March 28, as groups and activists gathered to protest what they described as state actions in India under the reported “Operation Kagar.”

Manufacturing, services: India's low-skill, middle-skill labour remains underemployed

By Francis Kuriakose* The Indian economy was in a state of deceleration well before Covid-19 made its impact in early 2020. This can be inferred from the declining trends of four important macroeconomic variables that indicate the health of the economy in the last quarter of 2019.

Food security? Gujarat govt puts more than 5 lakh ration cards in the 'silent' category

By Pankti Jog* A new statistical report uploaded by the Gujarat government on the national food security portal shows that ensuring food security for the marginalized community is still not a priority of the state. The statistical report, uploaded on December 24, highlights many weaknesses in implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in state.

Search This Blog