On April 25th and 26th, 2024, the NIMS School of Law organized a transformative event titled “Empowering Communities: Understanding Clean Water and Sanitation Laws and Schemes through Survey Outreach.” This two-day initiative, held at the NIMS Multi Super-Specialty Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, sought to educate and empower individuals regarding the critical importance of clean water and sanitation. It aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) — ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Day 1: Survey Outreach for Beneficiaries

The first day focused on a structured outreach program aimed at engaging 500 beneficiaries in a single day. Students from all semesters actively participated in conducting surveys using questionnaires designed to assess understanding, challenges, and community needs surrounding clean water and sanitation.

Survey Goals and Implementation The survey had three primary objectives:

1. To raise awareness about clean water and sanitation.
2. To educate individuals on laws and government schemes addressing these critical issues.
3. To gather data for developing targeted policy recommendations.

The students interacted with hospital visitors, patients, and staff to ensure diverse representation in the responses. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the community’s awareness and access to water and sanitation facilities.

Insights Gained The survey revealed significant challenges, including a lack of awareness of existing sanitation laws, inconsistent access to clean water, and limited understanding of water conservation practices. Many respondents highlighted issues such as insufficient infrastructure, water contamination, and the need for greater community engagement.

Day 2: Policy Drafting Competition

Building on the findings of the survey, the second day featured a policy drafting competition. Students used the insights from Day 1 to propose innovative solutions to the challenges identified. This competition provided an excellent platform for students to merge legal expertise with creative problem-solving.

Key Proposals Some of the standout proposals included:

• Community-based water purification systems to address localized water contamination.
• Awareness campaigns targeting rural areas to educate individuals about government schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Improved monitoring mechanisms to ensure the implementation of sanitation laws.
• Subsidized household water filters for low-income families to provide immediate relief from unsafe drinking water.

These proposals underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach combining legal, technological, and social solutions.

Impact of the Initiative

The survey outreach and subsequent policy drafting competition had a significant impact on both the participants and the community. Key outcomes included:

• Increased Awareness: Beneficiaries gained knowledge about their rights and the government schemes available to them, enabling them to make informed decisions about water and sanitation.
• Enhanced Legal and Social Skills: Students developed a deeper understanding of how legal frameworks can address pressing societal issues, sharpening their research, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Community Empowerment: By engaging directly with the community, the event fostered a sense of responsibility and awareness among participants, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

The Role of SDG 6

This event was a vital step in furthering SDG 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. With water scarcity and inadequate sanitation affecting billions globally, initiatives like this are essential for raising awareness and driving collective action.

Conclusion

The two-day outreach program by the NIMS School of Law was a resounding success, demonstrating how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges. By combining education, research, and community engagement, the event highlighted practical solutions to pressing water and sanitation issues.

As we move forward, it is imperative to continue fostering collaboration between governments, institutions, and communities to achieve the goals of SDG 6. Through such initiatives, we can build a healthier, more sustainable future where access to clean water and sanitation is a universal reality.