A study of Religious Town Pandharpur in Relation to Sanitation & Water Management

摘要

India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world, yet has poor social development indicators and a large population of poor. Its large water resources are threatened by future shortages. Complete Water and Sanitation coverage remains elusive and 'slippage' in coverage statistics is a major problem. An extractive and inequitable water use regime, historical neglect of sanitation and hygiene, low usage of constructed toilets, the lack of water rights, and neglected small town Water, Sanitation and Hygiene add to emerging challenges of climate change, terrorism and migration. The sheer numbers are daunting. Pandharpur is one of the most famous pilgrim destinations in Maharashtra located in Solapur district of Western Maharashtra. Pilgrims take holy bath and perform various religious rites in the Bhima River that flows through the town, before visiting the main temple. Due to the high volume of the pilgrims and their activities, high environmental stress is affecting the local conditions resulting in a steady degradation of the environmental status of the town. This un-ecological and unhygienic condition continues to affect the resident population after the festivities are over.