Protecting ground water through safe sanitation

Despite significant achievements, more needs to be done for the complete eradication of fecal pollution. The ongoing SBM programme can be strengthened further if the effect on groundwater quality and human health conditions are quantified and used for policy decisions. Climate-resilient sanitation technologies need to be developed so that septic tanks and sewerage systems are not affected by frequent floods, which helps in protecting the groundwater aquifers, writes Mr Syamal Kumar Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow & Senior Director, Water Resources Division, TERI.