Sustainable Development Goal 6 Implementation in Bhopal City: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, a challenge that is particularly acute in rapidly urbanising cities of developing countries. India’s urban centres face increasing pressure on water resources and sanitation infrastructure due to population growth, spatial expansion, and uneven service delivery. This study empirically examines the implementation of SDG 6 in Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh, with the objective of assessing the status of water supply and sanitation services and evaluating their alignment with SDG 6 targets. The research adopts a qualitative, empirical approach, drawing on primary field observations and secondary data from municipal records, census data, national and international reports, and SDG indicator databases. Random sampling of wards, including both slum and non-slum areas, was undertaken to capture diverse urban experiences. The findings reveal that Bhopal has achieved notable progress in expanding access to drinking water and sanitation, reflected in its Open Defecation Free (ODF++) status, investments in sewage treatment plants, wastewater reuse initiatives, and improved solid waste management. However, these achievements coexist with persistent structural challenges. Water supply remains intermittent and unevenly distributed, compelling households to depend on storage, private tankers, or borewells. High levels of non-revenue water and limited coverage of the underground sewerage network undermine efficiency and equity. A substantial proportion of wastewater continues to be discharged untreated into lakes and water bodies, contributing to declining water quality and ecological stress. Public sanitation facilities are heavily relied upon but are widely perceived as inadequate in number and poorly maintained. The study concludes that while Bhopal demonstrates alignment with SDG 6 targets, achieving universal, safe, and sustainable water and sanitation will require a shift from infrastructurefocused expansion to integrated, citywide, and inclusive management approaches. Strengthening governance, improving service reliability, reducing losses, and prioritising vulnerable communities are essential to ensuring that SDG 6 objectives are met in a rapidly growing urban context.