Unlocking the Potential of Integrated WASH and Nature-based Solutions
The fast-paced urbanization sweeping across India’s cities has created a stark divide in access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Hyderabad, the bustling capital of Telangana, is no exception. While affluent neighborhoods enjoy reliable piped water, modern sewerage, and well-maintained green spaces, the city’s vast informal settlements struggle with contaminated water sources, makeshift sanitation facilities, and a lack of public green areas.
This urban services divide not only exacerbates inequality but also poses grave threats to public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that integrating WASH and urban greening initiatives can deliver cascading benefits – improving well-being, unlocking economic opportunities, and fostering more livable, climate-resilient communities.
Bridging the WASH Gap in Hyderabad’s Informal Settlements
Hyderabad’s rapid urbanization has outpaced the city’s capacity to provide basic WASH services to all its residents. While the official slum population accounts for over 20% of the city’s total, independent estimates suggest the true proportion of those living in informal settlements could be as high as 35-40%. These communities often lack access to piped water, lack adequate sanitation facilities, and lack proper drainage systems – factors that heighten the risk of waterborne diseases, environmental pollution, and flooding during the monsoon season.
“In our basti (informal settlement), we have to collect water from a public tap that is over a kilometer away. The line is always long, and the water often runs dry. Many families have no choice but to use contaminated water from the nearby lake.” – Kavita, resident of Balapur, Hyderabad
Compounding these WASH challenges, most informal settlements in Hyderabad are situated on the urban periphery or in low-lying, flood-prone areas, further limiting access to public services and green spaces. This spatial marginalization not only undermines community well-being but also contributes to the city’s environmental degradation through practices like unauthorized waste dumping and encroachment on ecologically sensitive zones.
Integrating WASH and Urban Greening for Transformative Change
Recognizing the interconnected nature of WASH access, environmental quality, and community resilience, a growing number of civil society organizations and local government agencies in Hyderabad are pioneering integrated approaches that leverage nature-based solutions. These initiatives aim to simultaneously improve sanitation, enhance urban ecosystems, and empower marginalized communities.
One such example is the “Green-Blue Corridors” project implemented by the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department. This program integrates stormwater management, urban forestry, and community-led WASH interventions in flood-prone informal settlements. By constructing interconnected networks of green spaces, wetlands, and decentralized sanitation facilities, the project not only mitigates flood risks but also improves water quality, expands access to clean water and safe sanitation, and creates recreational spaces for residents.
“The Green-Blue Corridors have transformed our community. We now have a well-maintained public toilet complex, a thriving community garden, and a beautiful park where our children can play. These improvements have made a big difference in our daily lives.” – Fatima, resident of Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Another innovative example is the “Toilet to Tree” initiative led by the non-profit organization, Waste Ventures India. This program combines the construction of eco-friendly public toilet complexes with the establishment of urban nurseries and tree planting drives. By linking sanitation services with urban greening, the initiative not only improves access to safe sanitation but also generates green jobs, sequesters carbon, and enhances local biodiversity.
“The Toilet to Tree program has been a game-changer for our community. Not only do we now have clean, well-maintained toilets, but the income from the nursery has also provided livelihood opportunities for many women in our settlement.” – Reshma, resident of Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
These integrated WASH and urban greening initiatives demonstrate how holistic, community-driven approaches can unlock multiple benefits – from improved public health to enhanced environmental sustainability and increased climate resilience. By addressing the urban services divide through nature-based solutions, local stakeholders in Hyderabad are paving the way for more equitable and livable cities.
Scaling Up Integrated WASH and Urban Greening Across India
The success of these pilot projects in Hyderabad underscores the transformative potential of integrating WASH and urban greening initiatives. To scale up these integrated approaches and replicate them in other Indian cities, several key actions are required:
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Strengthen Multisectoral Coordination and Governance: Overcoming the traditional siloes between water, sanitation, and urban planning departments is essential. Local governments must establish dedicated coordination mechanisms and integrate WASH and urban greening strategies into city-level master plans and development policies.
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Increase Dedicated Financing and Incentives: Securing sustainable funding streams, from both public and private sources, is crucial to scale up integrated WASH and urban greening initiatives. Innovative financing models, such as green bonds, payment for ecosystem services, and community-based microfinance, can help unlock the necessary resources.
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Empower Local Communities and Civil Society: Meaningful engagement with informal settlement residents, community-based organizations, and local NGOs is key to designing context-appropriate solutions and ensuring long-term ownership. Capacity-building programs and participatory planning processes can amplify community voices.
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Leverage Technology and Data-driven Approaches: Integrating digital tools, such as GIS mapping, remote sensing, and real-time monitoring systems, can help identify high-priority intervention zones, track progress, and optimize the deployment of resources.
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Promote Knowledge Sharing and Cross-Learning: Establishing platforms for peer-to-peer exchange and disseminating best practices can inspire other cities to adopt integrated WASH and urban greening approaches tailored to their local contexts.
By pursuing these strategic actions, Indian cities can harness the synergies between WASH and urban greening to address complex urban challenges, improve community well-being, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.
Conclusion: Towards Inclusive, Climate-resilient Cities
The integration of WASH and urban greening initiatives in Hyderabad’s informal settlements demonstrates how holistic, nature-based solutions can bridge the urban services divide and catalyze transformative change. By simultaneously improving access to essential services, enhancing environmental quality, and empowering marginalized communities, these integrated approaches hold the key to creating more inclusive, climate-resilient cities.
As India continues to undergo rapid urbanization, scaling up such initiatives across the country can yield far-reaching benefits – from safeguarding public health and livelihoods to mitigating climate risks and fostering sustainable, livable communities. The lessons from Hyderabad offer a roadmap for other Indian cities to follow, underscoring the power of cross-sectoral collaboration and community-driven action to realize the vision of a more equitable and resilient urban future.
