Sanitation practices in hilly areas (India)

The urbanization trend in small and medium hill towns of India is on the rise due to rapid economic development fuelled by migration and tourism. However, the sanitation infrastructure in these towns has not kept pace with the growing demands, leading to adverse impacts on human and environmental health. Existing sanitation assessment frameworks often lack specificity for geologically sensitive hilly areas, and a more context-specific approach is needed. This research aims to develop a city-wide sanitation assessment framework for hilly areas using a systems approach. A literature review examines existing challenges and frameworks, leading to the design of a working assessment framework tested empirically in Leh, a trans-Himalayan town experiencing substantial population growth. Qualitative methods, such as site observations and unstructured interviews, document existing sanitation practices, while quantitative tools assess service delivery and the enabling environment. Empirical findings identify gaps in existing frameworks, culminating in the proposal of a tailored sanitation assessment framework for hilly towns.