SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

TAG: GS-2 GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) which was launched by the Indian Prime Minister in 2014 will complete 10 years on 2 oct 2024.

EXPLANATION:

About the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):

• The Prime Minister launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and make India “open-defecation free”.
• The initiative intends to enhance the health and well-being of millions of Indians by building over 100 million toilets in rural regions, creating a global standard for community-driven sanitation reform.
• In rural areas, “SBM – Gramin” is funded and monitored by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (earlier Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
• “SBM – Urban” is overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• The government provided subsidies for the construction of toilets.

The campaign is handled by two ministries:

• Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation: Responsible for SBM-Gramin (rural areas).
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Handles SBM-Urban (urban areas).

10-Year Analysis of Swachh Bharat Mission:

Significance:

• More than 100 million toilets were constructed to provide access to sanitation for millions of rural households.
• The ODF status improved hygiene and public health, particularly in underserved areas.
• Studies have linked SBM to a significant reduction in infant mortality and under-five mortality rates by improving hygiene and reducing exposure to diseases like diarrhoea and malnutrition.
• The campaign also emphasised behavioural change through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts, leading to a lasting shift in sanitation practices across India.
• The construction of household toilets in rural areas, enhanced women’s dignity and safety, reducing the need for them to travel far for defecation.
• In Phase II (2019-2025), the mission expanded to address waste management.
• The SBM has become a global model of community-driven sanitation reform, highlighting how large-scale improvements can be achieved quickly through collective action and government initiative.

Challenges:

• The mission aims to get ODF status, but sustaining this status remains a challenge.
• The transition from ODF to ODF Plus is complex, with many rural and urban areas lacking adequate waste treatment infrastructure, leading to improper disposal and environmental concerns.
• Water scarcity in some areas makes it difficult to maintain toilets and sanitation facilities, resulting in a decline in toilet usage.
• Sanitation worker welfare is also a concern, with harsh working conditions often overlooked.
• The urban-rural divide remains a challenge, particularly in slums and informal settlements.
• Behavioural challenges have limitations, with some communities resisting toilet use, especially in regions where open defecation is the traditional practice.
• Ensuring proper safety measures, fair wages, and better working conditions is essential for the long-term sustainability of the mission.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/10-years-of-swachh-bharat-mission-its-aims-and-status-on-key-targets-9598732/