In the realm of transformative initiatives, Banka Earth Foundation emerges as a catalyst for change. Dedicated to addressing critical issues in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) sector, the foundation aspires to enhance the quality of life for all, particularly through innovative WaSH tech projects aimed at creating a cleaner and better India.

The current challenges

Delving deeper into the challenges faced by a significant portion of India's population, recent findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) between 2019 and 2021 bring to light a staggering reality: approximately one-fifth of households, or 19% of the population, lack access to any toilet facility. The Swachh Bharat Mission, while commendable, has yet to achieve universal coverage, leaving both rural areas and urban slums grappling with inadequate sanitation facilities. The repercussions are profound, affecting health, economics, and education, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children.

Healthwise, the absence of toilets, especially in rural areas, takes a toll, leading to the spread of water and vector-borne diseases. For women and adolescent girls, the lack of proper sanitation facilities exposes them to additional health risks, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney problems. The social impact is disproportionately borne by women who face safety concerns and a compromise of dignity during open defecation.

Education is not spared either, as deficiencies in sanitation infrastructure extend to educational institutions, particularly impacting girls and contributing to school dropouts. The scarcity of toilets in India weaves a complex web of challenges that demand urgent attention and comprehensive solutions. Most of the toilets in government schools of India are in a dilapidated state. With crumbling walls and overflowing sewage, the toilets are not in usable condition. However, the students have no choice but to continue to use them, making them vulnerable to a string of health hazards such as diarrhea, cholera, etc.

Some of these schools also function as seasonal hostels for those times when parents migrate to other places in search of work. These students live in these schools for 2-3 months. The situation of these resident students becomes worse. Without any other means of sanitation, they are forced to use these toilets. Additionally, they eat and live in these unhygienic premises, making them even more vulnerable to diseases. They fall sick and still have to use the same toilets.

This costs heavily on their health and overall growth. The menstruating female students face a similar predicament. They either miss school when on periods or drop out altogether. Providing and promoting sanitation and hygiene is one of the Sustainable Development Goals, apart from the Swachh Bharat Mission. Complementing this are the other SDGs, such as improving access to primary education, reducing child mortality, and promoting gender equality. These goals need to be achieved by 2030.

Quoting UNICEF, “When schools have clean toilets for both boys and girls, access to clean water, and handwashing facilities, it not only prevents transmission of communicable diseases, it contributes to more children attending school and learning.”

The presence of separate toilets, and menstrual hygiene management facilities can help girls stay in school and reduce drop-outs, which further reduces the risk of early marriage and pregnancy. This project is a small step towards realizing these SDGs.

The first step towards achieving the goal

With these pressing issues in mind, Banka Earth Foundation embarked on impactful initiatives to address these challenges, notably through the installation of bio-toilets in Gujarat. This initiative aimed to provide hygienic sanitation solutions to schools and communities, taking a significant step towards addressing the dire need for proper facilities in the region. The past project was aimed at enhancing sanitation infrastructure in schools across Waghai-Dang and Vansda-Navsari, Gujarat, India, benefiting over 8000 students. Banka Earth Foundation was actively involved in installing 118 twin bio-toilets across 60 schools in Gujarat. The implementation of these bio-toilets addressed critical issues such as inadequate sanitation, reducing absenteeism, and preventing dropouts among students. The integration of bio-digester plants ensured efficient sewage management, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic school environment. The project employed advanced features like RCC modular super-structure, PUF doors, and borewell connections to ensure the longevity and sustainable functioning of the bio-toilets.

Impact

The implementation of bio-toilets in Gujarat yielded a multifaceted impact, transforming communities and fostering sustainable practices. Immediate access to hygienic sanitation became synonymous with bio-toilets for families, schools, and the public, culminating in a substantial enhancement of overall well-being within communities. The accessibility of clean and well-maintained sanitation facilities not only elevated hygiene standards but also fostered a sense of pride and health consciousness among individuals.

The innovative bio-toilet system emerged as a stalwart in efficient waste treatment and water conservation. By adeptly treating human waste and recycling water, these bio-toilets significantly contributed to broader environmental goals.

Schools equipped with bio-toilets witnessed a paradigm shift in health outcomes. The notable decrease in the practice of open defecation translated into improved overall health. Beyond health, the advent of bio-toilets bestowed a profound sense of dignity upon individuals. Female students, in particular, experienced heightened security and dignity, as the need for compromising privacy during open defecation substantially diminished.

In essence, bio-toilets became catalysts for positive change, fostering health, environmental responsibility, and a newfound sense of dignity within communities. The multifaceted impact extended beyond immediate sanitary benefits, creating a ripple effect that contributed to the holistic well-being of individuals and the communities they belong to.

Looking ahead

Banka Earth Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to expanding the success witnessed in Gujarat to Telangana, Bangalore, and beyond. The proven impact of the bio-toilet implementation model presents a scalable and replicable solution, poised to effectively address the sanitation crisis in diverse regions. The Foundation acknowledges that the road ahead will be challenging but firmly believes in the achievability of this mission.

As the Foundation charts its course for broader impact, it recognizes the significance of collaborative efforts. The journey to address toilet scarcity in India requires collective participation and engagement from various stakeholders. In this pursuit, Banka Earth Foundation is actively seeking CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) partners who share a common interest in making a substantial impact on the sanitation challenges faced by communities in India. The Foundation understands that forging partnerships with like-minded organizations will amplify its reach and impact.

In navigating the challenges that lie ahead, the Foundation remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. It envisions a future where access to hygienic sanitation is a reality for every individual, transcending geographical boundaries. Banka Earth Foundation believes that through strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to societal well-being, the goal of universal access to sanitation facilities in India is not only challenging but eminently achievable.