Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Challenges for Marginalised Communities of India: An Anthropological Study
摘要
Denotified (DNT) and Semi-Nomadic (SNT) communities in India have long experienced historical marginalisation and social exclusion, which continues to hinder their access to essential resources, especially Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. Their traditional nomadic lifestyles, coupled with this long-standing discrimination, have significantly impacted their access to essential infrastructure. These communities are often characterised by low socio-economic status, high poverty rates, limited educational opportunities, and unstable livelihoods, all of which systematically hinder their ability to access adequate sanitation and health infrastructure. This study investigated the influence of socio-economic conditions impacting the accessibility of WASH facilities for DNT and SNT communities in India and its effect on health status. Empirical data were collected through a structured schedule, focusing on the WASH conditions and related health outcomes regarding the prevalence of various ailments. The findings revealed substantial deficits in water and sanitation infrastructure, coupled with frequent incidences of waterborne diseases. These issues reflect broader public health vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate WASH conditions. Economic constraints and a historical lack of infrastructural investment were key barriers to accessing sanitation. This study underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive and inclusive policy frameworks that address both the structural inequities and socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by DNT and SNT communities. Such interventions are essential for supporting their rights to health and well-being within a broader context of social justice and equity.