On October 2, 2024, India marks a monumental milestone—10 Years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), a campaign that has reshaped the country’s sanitation landscape and forged a path towards cleaner, healthier living standards for millions. Launched on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2014, this initiative sought to fulfil Gandhiji’s vision of a clean and hygienic India. Over the last decade, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has not only transformed public spaces and rural areas but has also become a symbol of behavioral change and social responsibility.
Beginning of a Nationwide Movement: 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on October 2, 2014, it was more than just a sanitation drive—it was a call to the nation to unite for a common cause. The campaign’s mission was clear: eliminate open defecation, improve waste management systems, and bring about a sweeping change in hygiene practices. It aimed to ensure that every household had access to toilets, proper waste disposal methods were in place, and citizens were aware of the importance of sanitation in their daily lives.
From Idea to Action: Key Initiatives and Achievements
Over the years, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan unfolded in two distinct phases. The first phase (2014-2019) focused on achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and was instrumental in constructing more than 100 million toilets across rural and urban India. The second phase (2019 onwards) has been dedicated to sustaining the gains achieved and promoting solid and liquid waste management.
Here are some key achievements of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan over the past decade:
Elimination of Open Defecation: By 2019, India was declared ODF (Open Defecation Free). The campaign led to the construction of over 110 million toilets, providing access to sanitation facilities to more than 600 million people. This massive leap has not only improved hygiene but also contributed significantly to the dignity and safety of women and children.
Behavioral Change Campaigns: Beyond infrastructure development, the Swachh Bharat Mission emphasized changing people’s attitudes towards cleanliness. Campaigns like “Darwaza Band” (to promote toilet usage) and initiatives to create Swachhata champions in villages encouraged community participation.
Waste Management Revolution: The mission gave a massive push towards proper waste management systems. Thousands of waste treatment plants were set up, and cities began segregating waste at the source. Initiatives like door-to-door waste collection, community composting, and recycling have gained momentum, especially in urban areas.
Swachh Survekshan: The government introduced an annual cleanliness survey, Swachh Survekshan, which ranks cities and towns based on their cleanliness and sanitation standards. This competition has driven municipalities to innovate and implement new strategies for maintaining cleanliness, making it a source of pride for cities to top the rankings.
Sanitation Workforce Recognition: For the first time, sanitation workers—who have been the backbone of the cleanliness drive—received recognition and support. Campaigns to provide safety equipment and training, as well as initiatives for their welfare, have been implemented to uplift the sanitation workforce.
Plastic Waste Management: In recent years, the mission has also targeted plastic waste management. With campaigns to eliminate single-use plastics and promote alternatives, Swachh Bharat has extended its reach to tackle the environmental menace posed by plastic pollution.
The Impact: A Cleaner, Healthier India
The impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan extends far beyond just cleaner streets and neighborhoods. Studies suggest that the campaign has had significant health benefits. For instance, the reduction in open defecation has led to a decrease in waterborne diseases like diarrhea, particularly among children. The mission has also contributed to a reduction in environmental pollution and improved the quality of life in both rural and urban areas.
A 2021 study by UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation estimated that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan helped save around 300,000 lives by preventing diseases caused by poor sanitation. It also highlighted a substantial economic impact, with an estimated Rs. 50,000 saved per household annually due to reduced medical costs.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Despite its monumental success of 10 years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has faced its share of challenges:
- Sustainability of Efforts: One of the main challenges has been ensuring the sustainability of the progress made. There have been instances where toilets built were not used or maintained, leading to a return to old practices in some areas. The second phase of the mission has been geared towards addressing this by focusing on behavioral change and community ownership.
- Waste Management and Segregation: While waste management has improved, the segregation of waste at the source is still not universally practiced. Many urban local bodies struggle with inadequate infrastructure and lack of citizen cooperation in segregating wet and dry waste.
- Changing Deep-Rooted Mindsets: Changing the traditional practices and mindsets of a population as large and diverse as India’s has not been easy. The campaign has had to employ creative means, like involving celebrities, local influencers, and youth, to spread the message effectively.
The Road Ahead: Vision for the Future
As Swachh Bharat Abhiyan enters its second decade, it is time to reflect on the road ahead. The vision for the future involves deepening the campaign’s impact and broadening its scope to include more environmental issues.
ODF Plus: The focus is now on moving from ODF to ODF Plus status, which includes solid and liquid waste management, maintaining toilet functionality, and ensuring safe disposal of waste.
Tackling Plastic Pollution: The next phase will see greater emphasis on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. Initiatives like plastic waste-free cities and extended producer responsibility (EPR) will be key components.
Water Conservation and Management: Linking cleanliness and water conservation will be critical. Integrating the Swachh Bharat Mission with the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure water availability in newly built toilets and prevent contamination of water sources is a priority.
Empowering Sanitation Workers: The mission will continue to prioritize the well-being and empowerment of sanitation workers, providing them with the tools, safety equipment, and dignity they deserve.
Community Participation: Encouraging community-driven initiatives and making cleanliness a people’s movement rather than a government-led campaign is crucial for long-term success. Engaging schools, colleges, and corporates in cleanliness drives will help instill a culture of cleanliness.
Conclusion: A Proud Moment for India
As we celebrate 10 years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, it’s time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of every individual, organization, and community that has contributed to making this mission a success. The journey of transforming a nation of over 1.4 billion people into a cleaner, healthier, and more aware society has not been easy, but the results are visible and inspiring.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has laid a strong foundation, and as it continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope, change, and empowerment for generations to come. With renewed focus and commitment, India’s journey towards a Swachh Bharat will continue to inspire the world.
