Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) condition in West Bengal, India: Exploring geospatial inequality, patterns, and determinants

Sanitation indicates a healthy, dignified, and developed lifestyle, which is also considered a fundamental human need. Sanitation problems are more profound in developing and underdeveloped countries. In the developing country India, the situation of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) condition is poor in West Bengal ranked, 27th among the 36 States and Union Territories (UTs). The present study is concerned with the district-wise analysis of WASH conditions and their inequalities in West Bengal, based on the secondary data obtained from the NFHS-5. The composite index method has been used for exploring the WASH condition, and Atkinson's index, Lorenz Curve, and Gini coefficient have been applied to understanding the district-wise heterogeneity of WASH conditions. Moreover, binary logistic regression has been applied to reveal the relationship between WASH conditions with various socioeconomic and demographic factors. The study recognized Kolkata records the best and Puruliya the worst WASH conditions among all the districts of West Bengal. Though most of the variables are unequal, the drainage facility reflects the highest heterogeneity across the state. Apart from this, the study found significant information regarding the association between WASH and socioeconomic factors. The households with a good wealth index accessed more improved sanitation, drainage, and handwashing facilities. Moreover, higher education exhibits more accessibility to improved toilets, drainage facilities, and handwashing facilities. Thus, the awareness of the people is necessary for receiving government grants properly and to improve their lifestyle. However, this study recommends the implementation of government initiatives at the local or micro level and the positive and honest participation of the local government bodies is also imperative for improving the WASH conditions.