10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission 

Syllabus: GS2/ Government Policies & Interventions

Context

• Swachh Bharat Mission completed the 10 years of implementation on 2nd October 2024.
  • This year’s theme, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,’ emphasises the importance of cleanliness and environmental well-being.

Swachh Bharat Mission

• The Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission (SBM) was launched in 2014 with the goal of achieving universal sanitation coverage by 2019, as a tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Goal: to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF). 
• Toilet infrastructure: By offering financial incentives for building household toilets, as well as community toilets for slums and migrant populations. 
• Behavioural Changes: To bring changes to the age-old idea that toilets in the home were unclean, the government ran several programmes with the participation of the private sector and NGOs to educate the population on the benefits of ODF 
• It consisted of two sub-missions, urban, and rural or Gramin (G). 
• SBM(G) sought to improve “the levels of cleanliness through Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and making Gram Panchayats Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean and sanitized.
  • 2019 marked the end of the first phase of SBM(G), the second phase, started in 2020-2021, expands efforts with a focus on safe management of solid and liquid waste and sustainability of ODF. 
• SBM (Urban) 2.0: Commenced in 2021 and is expected to run till 2026.
  • Targets: Sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and
    • ensuring that treatment of both liquid and solid waste is achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.

Achievements

• Improved Health Facilities: The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a significant decline in diarrhoea-related fatalities, with 300,000 fewer deaths in 2019 compared to 2014, attributed to enhanced sanitation facilities.
  • The mission has also contributed to reductions in malaria, stillbirth rates, and low birth weights among children under five.
• Increased Toilet Access: The initiative has successfully constructed toilets for over 10 million rural households, benefiting around 50 million people across 630,000 villages.
  • Many of these villages have been designated as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
• Enhanced Safety for Women: A UNICEF report indicates that 93% of women feel safer after installing toilets in their homes.
• Economic Benefits for Families: Households in ODF villages report annual health-related savings averaging Rs 50,000.
• Reduced Groundwater Contamination: In villages declared ODF, the risk of groundwater contamination due to human waste is 12.7 times lower.
• Swachh Iconic Places: The initiative has drawn support from both corporations and individuals to maintain cleanliness at India’s iconic locations.
• Recognition for Sanitation Efforts: Cities and towns across the nation are awarded titles of ‘Swachh Cities’ based on their sanitation and cleanliness achievements.

Challenges in Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

• Lack of Awareness: Many communities lack awareness about hygiene practices and the importance of sanitation. 
• Behavior Change: Changing long-standing habits and cultural practices regarding sanitation is difficult. 
• Infrastructure Development: Inadequate infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hampers effective implementation. 
• Maintenance and Sustainability: Ensuring that constructed toilets and facilities are maintained over time is crucial. 
• Funding and Resources: While government support exists, consistent funding is needed for ongoing initiatives, maintenance, and education programs.
• Waste Management: Effective waste management systems are still lacking in many areas, leading to littering and pollution. 
• Lack of Region Specific Strategy: India’s diverse geography means that solutions effective in one area may not work in another. Tailored approaches are necessary to address local needs.
• Monitoring: Effective monitoring of progress and impact is essential but can be difficult to implement consistently. 

Way Ahead

• The Swachh Bharat Mission is not just a mission for cleanliness; it is a key driver of societal transformation in India, contributing to improved human capital and national economic growth. 
• SBM’s focus on skilling has not only ensured the programme’s success but has also created a blueprint for sustainable community development that will continue to benefit India for generations to come. 
• Continued funding and support from the government will ensure that the country can capitalise on past gains and ensure there is no sliding back to old ways.

Source: TH