Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Transforming India Towards a Cleaner Future

Title: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Transforming India Towards a Cleaner Future

Description:
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India in 2014, is a monumental initiative aimed at transforming the nation's sanitation and hygiene landscape. This comprehensive campaign encompasses various aspects, including the construction of toilets, solid waste management, behavior change communication, and technological innovations.

Historical Context: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was initiated on October 2, 2014, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized cleanliness as essential for a healthy society.

Key Objectives: The primary goal of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is to achieve universal sanitation coverage and eliminate open defecation across India. Additionally, it aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and the efficient management of solid waste.

Progress and Achievements: Since its inception, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has made remarkable progress. Millions of toilets have been constructed in rural and urban areas, significantly reducing open defecation. Moreover, initiatives to improve solid waste management have been implemented, leading to cleaner surroundings and a healthier environment.

Innovative Approaches: One of the hallmarks of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is its emphasis on innovation. The campaign has embraced modern technologies and creative solutions to address sanitation challenges effectively. From the development of low-cost toilets to the use of mobile applications for monitoring and evaluation, innovation has played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.

Challenges and Future Directions: Despite significant achievements, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. There is a need to focus on reaching marginalized communities and developing long-term strategies for maintaining sanitation infrastructure. Continued investment in research and development will be essential for finding innovative and sustainable solutions to emerging sanitation issues.

Impact on Society: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has had a profound impact on Indian society. Improved sanitation facilities not only contribute to public health but also empower individuals, especially women and girls, by providing them with dignity and safety. Furthermore, cleaner surroundings foster a sense of pride and community ownership, leading to positive social change.

In conclusion, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan represents a significant step towards building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable India. Through concerted efforts and innovative approaches, the campaign continues to make strides in achieving its objectives and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

1. S w achh B h a r a t Mis s ion Swachh Bharat Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated by the Government of India on 2nd October, 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages. The program also aims to increase awareness of menstrual health management. It is a restructured version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2009 that failed to achieve its intended targets. Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission lasted till 2nd October 2019, and Phase 2 is being implemented between 2020–21 and 2024–25 to help cement the work of Phase 1. The Swachh Bharat Mission has two sub-missions, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (formerly the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation) and the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs [SBM(U)]. This overall mission is coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The program in rural areas was aimed at making villages Open Defecation Free (ODF) and improving overall sanitation levels through SLWM activities. The Campaigns under Swachh Bharat Missions are : ‘Plastic se Raksha’ ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ ‘Swachhta Shramdaan’ ‘Swachhta hee Seva’

2. Swac hh B h a rat Mi ss io n ( Ur b an) Coming to Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), it is under the Ministry of Urban Development and is commissioned to give sanitation and household toilet facilities in all 4041 statutory towns with a combined population of 377 million. The estimated cost is Rs 62,009 crore over five years with the centre’s share of assistance being Rs 14,623 crore. The Mission hopes to cover 1.04 crore households, give 2.5 lakh community toilet seats, lakh public toilet seats It also proposes to establish solid waste management facilities in every town. At the core of this mission lie six components: Individual household toilets; Community toilets; P u b li c to i l e ts; Municipal Solid Waste Management; Information and Education Communication (IEC) and Public Awareness; Capacity Building The Urban Clean India mission seeks to eradicate open defecation; convert insanitary toilets to flush toilets; eradicate manual scavenging, and facilitate solid waste management. The mission emphasizes on ushering in a behavioral change among people, for healthy sanitation practices, by educating them about the damaging effects of open defecation, the environmental dangers spreading from strewn garbage, and so on. To achieve these objectives, urban local bodies are being brought in and fortified to design, implement and operate systems to promote a facilitating environment for the participation of the private sector in terms of both capital and operations expenditure.

3. Swac hh B h a rat Mi ss io n ( R u r al) The Rural mission, known as Swachh Bharat Gramin, aims to make Village Panchayats open defecation free by October 2, 2019. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) transformed rural India by making cleanliness a mass movement - never before, anywhere in the world. Since the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) in the year 2014, more than 10 crore toilets have been built. As a result, by October 2019, all villages in the country and consequently all 36 States/UTs have declared themselves ODF. Removing obstacles and addressing critical issues that affect results is the new thrust of this rural sanitation mission, which aims to provide all rural households with individual latrines; and build cluster and community toilets on public-private partnership mode. Considering the filth and unhygienic conditions in village schools, this programme lays special emphasis on toilets in schools with basic sanitation amenities. Construction of Anganwadi toilets and management of solid and liquid waste in all Village Panchayats is the object of the Clean India mission.

4. Why India Needs Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? India is in dire need of a cleanliness drive like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to eradicate dirtiness. It is important for the overall development of citizens in terms of health and well-being. As the majority of the population of India lives in rural areas, it is a big problem. Generally, in these areas, people do not have proper toilet facilities. They go out in the fields or roads to excrete. This practice creates a lot of hygiene problems for citizens. Therefore, this Clean India mission can be of great help in enhancing the living conditions of these people. In other words, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will help in proper waste management as well. When we will dispose of waste properly and recycle waste, it will develop the country. As its main focus is one rural area, the quality of life of the rural citizens will be enhanced through it. Most importantly, it enhances the public health through its objectives. India is one of the dirtiest countries in the world, and this mission can change the scenario. Therefore, India needs a cleanliness drive like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to achieve this. In short, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a great start to make India cleaner and greener. If all the citizens could come together and participate in this drive, India will soon flourish. Moreover, when the hygienic conditions of India will improve, all of us will benefit equally. India will have more tourists visiting it every year and will create a happy and clean environment for the citizens.

5. Swachh Bharat Division To accelerate the efforts to achieve a Swachh Bharat, Swachh Prayatan and bring focus on hygiene & sanitation, Ministry of Tourism has setup a Project Monitoring Unit for Swachh Bharat Mission on 9thDecember, 2015. The SBM Division co-ordinate the Swachhta Awareness activities amongst Tourists, School /College students and tourism stakeholders. Funct i o n s of th e Swachh B harat D i vi s i on To serve as the secretariat for the Swachh Bharat Mission. Assistance in formulation of strategies related to Swachh Bharat Mission; Monitoring of projects taken up in partnership with various divisions of the MoT; Inspection of Projects being implemented; Interaction with the other Ministries, States/UTs and the stakeholders through appropriate means including meetings, conferences and workshops to take the initiative forward through State agencies. Attend parliamentary matters. To update Swachh Bharat Abhiyan / Swachhta Samiksha / Swachhta Action plan (SAP) / e-Samiksha / CPGRAMS website / portal.

6. Phase II of Swachh Bharat Yogana : SBM(G) Phase-II was launched in February , focus on sustainability of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) in rural India. The programme will work towards ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone uses a toilet. SBM(G) Phase-II will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in a mission mode. Objective :- Provision of access to toilets to any left-out households and newly emerged household s by the construction of IHHLs and CSCs. Financial support of Rs - 12,000 for APL and BPL Rural households including storage for handwashing and cleaning of the toilet Biodegradable waste management through composting and biogas plants (GOBAR- DHAN). Collection, segregation and storage facilities and setting up of plastic waste management units/material recovery centres for plastic waste management. Construction of soak pits, waste stabilisation ponds, DEWATS, etc. for greywater management. Faecal sludge management through co-treatment in existing Sewage Treatment Plants/ Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (STPs/FSTPs) in nearby urban areas and setting up of FSTPs under the programme . Decentralised operation and maintenance of community sanitation assets in rural areas by Gram Panchayats.

7. Swacch Bhaíat Awaíds It is íightly said that Cleanliness is next to Godliness. ľhe píoveíb peífectly highlights the impoítance of keeping oneself and one's suííoundings clean and theíeby píogíessing to spiíitual gíowth. Keeping the impoítance of cleanliness in mind, the Goveínment of India established the Swacch Bhaíat Awaíds in Octobeí 2014. ľhis significant move aims to píomote the habit of cleanliness among people. In 2022, the Goveínment also launched the official Swacch Suívekshan 2022 platfoím that engages the citizens of India to collaboíate and caííy out gíound activities íelated to cleaning the suííoundings. Foí a long time, the people of India have been tíeating public places caíelessly and litteíing eveíywheíe. With the initiation of the Swachh Bhaíat Abhiyaan, many people in the countíy paíticipated in keeping theií suííoundings clean. On 1st Octobeí 2022, the Swachh Suívekshan 2022 was hosted as paít of the Swachh Bhaíat Mission-Uíban 2.0 by the Ministíy of Housing & Uíban Affaiís (MoHUA) in New Delhi. ľhis campaign is dedicated to cleanliness and each yeaí, the Cleanest City in India gets a Swacch Bhaíat Awaíd. Indoíe won the Swacch Bhaíat Awaíd 2022 foí being the Cleanest City with a population of oveí 1 lakh people. ľhe Swacch Suívekshan Awaíd 2022 foí the second and thiíd cleanest cities in India went to Suíat and Navi Mumbai, íespectively.

8. Majoí Challenges And keys aíeas of focus of Swachh Bhaíat Abhiyan ľhe Swachh Bhaíat Abhiyan (SBM) has achieved significant píogíess since its launch in 2014, but it still faces some challenges. Some of the key challenges include: Maintaining ODF status in íuíal aíeas: Once an aíea is declaíed ODF, it is impoítant to sustain the gains made and ensuíe that people continue to use toilets and maintain good hygiene píactices. ľhis can be challenging, especially in aíeas with pooí infíastíuctuíe and limited íesouíces. Impíoving solid waste management in small towns and cities: Small towns and cities often lack the íesouíces and infíastíuctuíe to manage theií solid waste effectively. ľhis can lead to the accumulation of waste in public places and the spíead of diseases. Píomoting hygiene and sanitation píactices among all communities: Some communities, such as maíginalized gíoups and people living in poveíty, may not have access to toilets oí may not be awaíe of the impoítance of good hygiene píactices. It is impoítant to íeach out to these communities and educate them about the impoítance of sanitation and hygiene. Changing social noíms and behavioís aíound cleanliness: Open defecation and otheí unhygienic píactices aíe often deeply íooted in social noíms and behavioís. It is impoítant to change these noíms and behavioís in oídeí to achieve lasting success undeí the SBM. In addition to these challenges, the SBM is also facing some funding constíaints. ľhe goveínment has íeduced the budget foí the mission in íecent yeaís, which could impact its píogíess. Despite these challenges, the SBM íemains a cíitical initiative that has the potential to tíansfoím India's sanitation landscape. ľhe goveínment is committed to sustaining the gains made undeí the mission and to making India a tíuly clean and healthy countíy.

9. Poo r monitoíing and evaluation: ľheíe is a need foí betteí monitoíing and evaluation of the SBM to ensuíe that it is on tíack to achieve its goals. ľhe goveínment is addíessing these challenges thíough a vaíiety of measuíes, such as stíengthening accountability mechanisms, impíoving cooídination between diffeíent levels of goveínment, and investing in monitoíing and evaluation. With continued effoíts, the SBM can achieve its ambitious goal of making India a clean and healthy countíy foí all. Heíe aíe some additional challenges that the SBM faces: Coííuption: ľheíe have been instances of coííuption in the implementation of the SBM, such as the use of substandaíd mateíials in the constíuction of toilets. ľhis can undeímine the quality and sustainability of the mission. Lack of cooídination: ľheíe is a lack of cooídination between the centíal goveínment, state goveínments, and local bodies in the implementation of the SBM. ľhis can lead to delays and inefficiencies.

10. Conclusion Swachh Bhaíat Mission is a landmaík initiative that has tíansfoímed India's sanitation landscape. ľhe mission has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Indians and has made India a cleaneí and healthieí countíy. ľhe Swachh Bhaíat Mission has achieved significant píogíess in íecent yeaís, but theíe is still moíe woík to be done. ľhe goveínment is committed to sustaining the gains made undeí the mission and to making India a tíuly clean and healthy countíy. Some of the key aíeas of focus foí the futuíe include: Maintaining ODF status in íuíal aíeas Impíoving solid waste management in small towns and cities Píomoting hygiene and sanitation píactices among all communities Changing social noíms and behavioís aíound cleanliness ľhe goveínment is also woíking to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of sanitation and solid waste management. Foí example, the goveínment is píomoting the use of biodegíadable mateíials and composting to íeduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. ľhe Swachh Bhaíat Mission is a people's movement and íequiíes the active paíticipation of all citizens. By woíking togetheí, we can make India a clean and healthy countíy foí all. In addition to the key aíeas of focus mentioned above, the Swachh Bhaíat Abhiyan could also focus on the following aíeas in the futuíe:

11. Conclusion: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has made significant progress in terms of providing access to toilets and improving solid waste management. However, there are still some communities that are being left behind. The government could focus on ensuring that all communities, including marginalized groups and people living in poverty, have access to these essential services. Sustainability: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has achieved significant results in a relatively short period of time. However, it is important to ensure that these gains are sustainable. The government could focus on developing long-term strategies to ensure that sanitation and solid waste management are a priority in India. Innovation: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has been a pioneer in the use of innovative technologies and approaches to sanitation and solid waste management. The government could continue to invest in research and development to find new and sustainable solutions to these challenges. By focusing on these areas, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan can continue to make India a cleaner and healthier country for all.