URBAN SANITATION THROUGH A ONE HEALTH LENS

Abstract

Urban sanitation infrastructure is essential for protecting public health, particularly in densely populated urban environments where shared facilities are used extensively. In high-footfall areas, the condition of public washrooms reflects the interaction between environmental hygiene and human health. This study aims to evaluate the sanitation and hygiene conditions of selected public washrooms in the Matunga–Dadar region of Mumbai. A field-based observational study was conducted using a structured checklist to assess key parameters, including water availability, cleanliness of surfaces, presence of odour, ventilation, lighting, and overall maintenance. Data collected from multiple high-traffic locations were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score comparison, parameter-wise frequency analysis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean sanitation scores ranged from 3.71 to 7.42 on a 10-point scale, indicating notable variability in hygiene standards across locations. Matunga Station Washroom and the SBM Toilet demonstrated relatively better maintenance with the highest scores, while the Dadar Station and Swami Gyan Jivandas Marg washrooms recorded the lowest scores, associated with poor cleanliness and inadequate infrastructure. The ANOVA results revealed a statistically significant difference among washrooms (F = 11.37, p < 0.05). The parameter-wise analysis further showed that odour and poor lighting were the most frequently observed concerns across all locations, while water unavailability and insect presence varied more noticeably between facilities. Overall, the findings indicate moderate to variable sanitation performance, with key concerns related to ventilation, water availability, odour control, and waste management. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring, improved maintenance practices, and effective sanitation management. Strengthening public sanitation systems is crucial for reducing environmental health risks and ensuring hygienic conditions in urban settings.