‘Over One Lakh Child Deaths, Rs 3.6 Lakh Crore Lost Due To Poor Sanitation’

New Delhi: Over one lakh child death and loss of a whopping Rs 3.6 lakh crore is caused every year in India due to poor sanitation and hygiene issues, according to a presentation made by an IAS officer before Prime Minister Narendra Modi here today.

A direct connect between corporates and urban local bodies besides expanding definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been cited as measures to promote ‘swachh bharat’ (clean India).

The presentation ‘Swachh’ (Swachhata augmentation through corporate helping hands) by Swadha Dev Singh, who did three-month stint as Assistant Secretary in Urban Development Ministry beginning August 1, said over 12 per cent urban households in India defecate in the open.

“India loses USD 54 billion (Rs 3.6 lakh crore as per present market value) per year due to inadequate sanitation (health related, access, tourism).

“Poor sanitation and hygiene cause 100,000 child deaths per year in India,” the presentation mentions.

Only 21.5 per cent of solid waste generated in India is processed, it said, without giving the quantum of solid waste.

As per the presentation, CSR funds of Rs 6,000 crore was spent on various activities and it was projected to collect Rs 15,000 crore as voluntary corporate donations.

It said a swachh portal formed by the Centre promotes ‘Jan Bhagidaari’ (public contribution) by expanding definition of CSR beyond financial contribution and through corporates support project in cities and localities.