Which measure addresses overcrowding through planning?

• A. Provision of safe water in sufficient quantity
• B. Building of latrines
• C. Distribution of soap
• D. Appropriate site planning to avoid overcrowding

Answer: (D)

Overcrowding is addressed most effectively by how space and population are organized on the ground. Appropriate site planning to avoid overcrowding focuses on spacing shelters, allocating space per person, and arranging paths and services so people aren’t jammed into small areas. This kind of planning directly controls density and movement, reducing the chance of disease transmission and making living conditions more dignified and manageable.

Providing safe water, building latrines, and distributing soap are all crucial for health and hygiene, but they don’t by themselves reduce how tightly people are packed or improve the layout of a site. They mitigate the impact of crowded conditions rather than prevent or manage the crowding itself.

So the measure that directly addresses overcrowding through planning is appropriate site planning to avoid overcrowding.