SWACCH BHARAT MISSION – COMPLETING 10 YEARS
SWACCH BHARAT MISSION – COMPLETING 10 YEARS
IN NEWS –
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched on October 2, 2014, coinciding with birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
ABOUT SBM
Two Components:
- SBM (Gramin) aimed to ensure cleanliness in rural areas through Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and make India Open Defecation Free (ODF).
- Aim now is to transform all villages from ODF to ODF plus model.
- Implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti.
SBM (Urban) 2.0 aims to make all cities garbage free, change public behaviour, ensure grey and black water management.
- Implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Key Initiatives: Swachh Bharat Kosh, Swachh Survekshan, Swachhta Hi Seva campaigns, Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan etc.
IMPACTS OF SWACHH BHARAT MISSION
- Improvement in health status and data – Averted 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually by reducing waterborne diseases.
- Empowerment and Safety of women – Improved safety for women and women SHGs led waste management initiatives.
- Economic Benefits for households – Achieving ODF status saves households about ₹50,000 yearly by lowering medical costs and travel time.
CHALLENGES TO SWACHH BHARAT MISSION
- Lack of initial resources for maintenance of toilets constructed.
- Lack of water supply, especially in rural areas.
- Improper faecal sludge management
- Inappropriate toilet technologies
- Inadequate human resources endanger sustaining ODF status.
- Remediation challenge of legacy landfills in municipal waste management.
CONCLUSION
- Sustainability of ODF status – Creation of a system for regular check and balance of constructed toilets will enhance individual as well as community participation.
- Innovative ways for Solid Waste Management – Integration of sanitation and waste management with investments in waste segregation infrastructure.
- Efficient use of technology – Data collection on sanitation access will reform innovative solutions like smart toilets.