Citizen's report on water supply, sanitation and solid waste management in selected small and medium towns in India

Abstract

"In many small and medium towns of India, the most basic urban services like water supply, sanitation, and waste management remain inadequate despite constitutional provisions assigning these responsibilities to municipalities. This citizens’ report, prepared by PRIA and local partners, presents the findings of participatory research conducted across eight towns in five states, where over 3,000 households and community leaders were engaged in documenting their experiences. By drawing attention to everyday struggles of access, affordability, and accountability, the report highlights both the gaps in service delivery and the possibilities that emerge when citizens actively monitor and communicate with municipalities. Rather than offering ready-made solutions, it positions citizen-led inquiry as a way of reshaping urban governance and opening space for more responsive institutions.