<b>Letters:</b> The need for water data

In the article, "What the nation needs to know" (April 11), Sunita Narain has rightly pointed out the lack of data relating to all aspects of water quality and wastewater management. Key to understanding water quality challenges and solutions, and adequately manage and protect human and ecosystem health, is how to collect, store, analyse and share wastewater quality data.

Ironically, some of the politicians, who make the most noise about Swachh Bharat, are perhaps the biggest hurdle to the implementation of a sustainable wastewater management system.

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As a starting point, we need a comprehensive status report and a study to identify the benefits of sanitation and wastewater management. The report must factor in the utility of toilets and associated systems as well as the safe containment, collection and treatment of wastewater and sludge. It should include the implications wastewater management has on health, school attendance, employment opportunities and economic growth.

Rajesh Seth, New Delhi

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