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(GIST OF YOJANA) SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: TRANSFORMING INDIA’S SANITATION LANDSCAPE

(OCTOBER-2024)

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: TRANSFORMING INDIA’S SANITATION LANDSCAPE

Introduction

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on October 2, 2014, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marked a paradigm shift in India’s approach to sanitation and hygiene. Aimed at making India Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019, the mission set ambitious goals of improving sanitation, constructing over 100 million toilets in rural India, and revolutionizing hygiene practices. SBM has become a global model for community-driven sanitation reform, creating a lasting impact on public health and improving the quality of life across both rural and urban India.

Swachh Bharat Mission - Grameen (Rural) Phase I (2014-2019)

SBM-Grameen (SBM-G) Phase I focused on ending open defecation by driving the largest behavioral change movement in the world through awareness campaigns, education, and infrastructure development.

Key Features:

Toilet Construction: Over 100 million toilets were built in rural areas across India.
Community Involvement: Nationwide participation through community engagement, government initiatives, and local stakeholders made this phase highly impactful.
Health Impact: The introduction of toilets and sanitation infrastructure significantly improved public health, particularly in areas where sanitation facilities were previously non-existent.

Phase II (2019-2025)

The objective of SBM-G Phase II is to sustain the ODF status and promote solid and liquid waste management. This phase, which focuses on achieving Sampoorna Swachhata (complete cleanliness), integrates sanitation efforts with various government schemes.

Key Achievements (As of September 2024):

ODF Plus Villages: 5.87 lakh villages have achieved ODF Plus status.
Waste Management: Solid waste management systems have been implemented in 3.92 lakh villages, and liquid waste management systems in 4.59 lakh villages.

Sanitation Infrastructure:

Over 11.64 lakh household toilets were constructed.
2.41 lakh community sanitary complexes were established.
The government allocated Rs 1.40 lakh crore to ensure long-term sustainability of sanitation infrastructure, aiming to improve health standards and create a cleaner, safer rural environment.

Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban

Overview of SBM-Urban

SBM-Urban (SBM-U), launched alongside SBM-Grameen in 2014, focuses on improving urban sanitation through scientific solid waste management, ensuring 100% ODF status, and fostering behavioral change via a Jan Andolan (people’s movement).

Key Achievements (As of September 2024):

Household Toilets: Over 63 lakh household toilets were built in urban areas.
Public Toilets: 6.3 lakh public toilets were constructed across cities and towns.
Solid Waste Management: SBM-U transformed waste management in urban spaces, making cities cleaner and healthier.

Promoting Behavioral Change

Through robust third-party protocols and public engagement, SBM-U has helped shift public perception on sanitation and waste management, prioritizing cleanliness in urban development.

Key Benefits of the Swachh Bharat Mission: Public Health Improvements

SBM has had a significant impact on public health, particularly by:

Reducing Infant and Under five Mortality Rates: An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 infant lives are saved annually due to improved sanitation.
Lower Health Costs: Families in ODF villages saved INR 50,000 per year in healthcare costs.
Reduced Groundwater Contamination: Open defecation-free areas have seen marked reductions in groundwater contamination.

Future Steps

Future SBM efforts will focus on:

Behavioral Change: Promoting cleanliness as a way of life under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata”.
Community Engagement: Strengthening community participation in waste management and cleanliness efforts.
Recognition of Sanitation Workers: Safai Mitras and other sanitation workers will be recognized and celebrated for their contribution to the mission.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The success of SBM has been driven by the collaboration of:

Government agencies
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Corporate Sector
Citizens

Conclusion

The Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed India’s sanitation landscape, delivering a profound impact on public health, women’s safety, and overall well-being. By constructing millions of toilets and mobilizing a nationwide behavioral change movement, SBM continues to stand as one of the largest and most successful public health initiatives in the world. It exemplifies how sanitation improvements can lead to a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all.