Why is it in the news?
- India’s placement at the bottom of the 180 countries in 2022 Environment Performance Index prompts scrutiny of the effectiveness of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
| About SBM
· The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was initiated in 2014 with the aim of achieving universal sanitation coverage by 2019, coinciding with the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. · SBM comprises two sub-missions: urban, overseen by the Ministry of Urban Development, and rural or Gramin (G), managed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. · SBM(G) focuses on enhancing cleanliness levels through Solid and Liquid Waste Management initiatives and ensuring Gram Panchayats are Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean, and sanitized. · SBM Phase II, which commenced in 2020-2021, extends efforts towards the safe management of solid and liquid waste and the sustainability of ODF status. · An ODF Plus village maintains its Open Defecation Free status while implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems. · The goal of SBM Phase II is to transform villages from ODF to ODF Plus by 2024-25, emphasizing the importance of sustained sanitation efforts beyond initial achievements.
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Achievements
- SBM Phase I resulted in the construction of over 10 crore individual household toilets, increasing sanitation coverage from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019, with approximately 6 lakh villages declaring themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF).
- Studies suggest that SBM-G had significant economic, environmental, and health impacts, contributing to women’s empowerment and achieving SDG 6.2 (Sanitation and Hygiene) 11 years ahead of schedule.
- SBM Phase II has seen 75% of villages achieving ODF Plus status, with top-performing States/UTs including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura.
Issues in implementing SBM
- Behavioural Change: Encouraging hygienic practices demands sustained education and awareness campaigns to challenge deep-rooted cultural attitudes.
- Infrastructure Development: Constructing adequate sanitation infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas, requires substantial investment and logistical planning.
- Maintenance of Infrastructure: Merely building toilets isn’t enough; ensuring their ongoing maintenance and usage is crucial for long-term effectiveness.
- Open Defecation: Despite efforts, it persists due to factors like cultural practices, lack of awareness, or insufficient toilet facilities.
- Waste Management: Proper management of solid and liquid waste is vital to prevent environmental pollution, yet infrastructure and systems are often inadequate.
- Funding and Resources: While significant funds have been allocated, ensuring their effective utilization and distribution at grassroots levels remains a challenge for SBM’s success.
Way Forward
- Addressing challenges in the Swachh Bharat Mission requires a collaborative effort involving government intervention, community participation, and cooperation from civil society organizations.
- Implementing sustainable solutions to tackle root causes of sanitation issues and continuous monitoring with feedback mechanisms are crucial for long-term success.
