There is no environmental health without public health: exploring the links between sanitation and waterbody health in Bengaluru, India

Over 70 per cent of India’s surface water is polluted by human excreta and other waste less than 35 urban wastewater treated. This poses a severe risk to public environmental health. Urban waterbody rejuvenation in India often focuses on aesthetic improvements rather addressing its systemic interdependencies with sanitation. paper establishes these links through mixed-methods study using water-quality testing stakeholder interviews the city Bengaluru, India. A conceptual system dynamics model technical, social, institutional factors developed. Results show that sewage leaks into lakes via stormwater drains are major pollution pathway, among others. Three levers for positive change have been identified: coordination government entities, adequate faecal sludge management strong citizen involvement. Citywide inclusive sanitation (CWIS) proposed as an approach provide leverage solve intertwined issues