Introduction The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. Among the 17 SDGs, SDG 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all – directly addresses Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). However, WASH is not confined to SDG 6 alone. It has strong interlinkages with several other goals, as access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is central to health, education, gender equality, and poverty reduction. In India and globally, WASH plays a critical role in advancing the SDG agenda. SDG 6: Core Goal for WASH Targets of SDG 6 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimising release of hazardous chemicals.6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure sustainable withdrawals of freshwater.6.5: Implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels.6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.6.a & 6.b: Strengthen international cooperation and community participation in WASH. Global progress According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (2023), the world is not on track to meet SDG 6 targets by 2030. Progress is particularly slow in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Achieving universal WASH access will require a fourfold increase in current rates of progress. WASH and other SDGs SDG 1: No Poverty Lack of WASH leads to higher medical costs, reduced productivity, and time lost in fetching water. Access to WASH services helps break the cycle of poverty by improving health and livelihoods. SDG 2: Zero Hunger Safe water and sanitation are essential for agriculture, food preparation, and nutrition. Poor WASH contributes to malnutrition by causing diarrhoea and intestinal infections that reduce nutrient absorption. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Improved WASH reduces diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, and water-borne infections. Proper hygiene, including handwashing, was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. SDG 4: Quality Education Children, especially girls, miss school due to lack of toilets and menstrual hygiene facilities. WASH in schools improves attendance, learning, and overall educational outcomes. SDG 5: Gender Equality Women and girls benefit from private sanitation facilities that ensure dignity and safety. Reduced burden of water collection gives women more time for education and income generation. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Better WASH improves workforce productivity by reducing absenteeism due to illness. Investments in WASH infrastructure create employment opportunities. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Marginalised communities are often left behind in WASH access. Inclusive policies ensure equity in health and development outcomes. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Urban WASH infrastructure is crucial for resilience against population growth and migration. Safe sanitation and waste management are key for sustainable urban living. SDG 13: Climate Action Climate change affects water availability, quality, and sanitation systems. Climate-resilient WASH systems are vital for adaptation and disaster risk reduction. WASH in the Indian SDG Context Progress in India Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Declared India open defecation free (ODF) in 2019, with continued focus on sustaining ODF+ and ODF++ villages and cities. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Aims to provide functional household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. Poshan Abhiyaan and School WASH initiatives: Link nutrition and education with WASH interventions. Contribution to SDGs India’s large-scale programmes have significantly contributed to SDG 6 and indirectly to goals on health, gender, and education. Challenges remain in ensuring water quality, sustaining behaviour change, and bridging rural-urban divides. Challenges in Achieving WASH-related SDGs Financing gap: Massive investments are required globally and nationally. Behavioural change: Infrastructure must be supported by community ownership and hygiene practices. Climate risks: Droughts, floods, and extreme weather threaten WASH systems. Equity issues: Vulnerable groups often face barriers to WASH access. Conclusion WASH is central to the SDG framework. Without universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, it will be impossible to achieve health, education, gender equality, or poverty reduction targets. India’s commitment through Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission demonstrates the transformative power of political will and community mobilisation. However, sustained efforts are required to ensure that progress is inclusive, climate-resilient, and aligned with the 2030 Agenda. References WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) Report 2023 – Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India – Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission updates. NITI Aayog, SDG India Index Report 2023.