What is the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)?

The Swachh Bharat Mission is a national cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014, with the goal of achieving a clean and open defecation-free India by October 2, 2019.

What are the main objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission?

The main objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission are to eliminate open defecation, promote proper sanitation and hygiene practices, and create awareness about the importance of cleanliness and sanitation.

How is the Swachh Bharat Mission implemented?

The Swachh Bharat Mission is implemented through various strategies, including constructing household and community toilets, promoting behavior change towards proper sanitation practices, launching cleanliness campaigns, and improving waste management systems.

What is the significance of October 2 in the Swachh Bharat Mission?

October 2 is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a strong advocate of cleanliness and sanitation. The mission was launched on this day to pay tribute to his vision and values.

How does the Swachh Bharat Mission address open defecation?

The mission focuses on constructing individual household toilets and community toilets to eliminate the practice of open defecation. It aims to provide access to toilets for every household, promoting hygiene and reducing health hazards.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Objectives, Implementation

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The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, marked a significant turning point in India’s sanitation and cleanliness landscape. The initiative aimed to transform the nation into a cleaner, more hygienic environment by addressing the challenges of open defecation, waste management, and overall sanitation. As the mission completes a decade, it is essential to evaluate its achievements, challenges, and future directions.

PM Modi Celebrates 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission

On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), highlighting its monumental impact on cleanliness, sanitation, and public health across India. Launched on the same date in 2014, the initiative aimed to eradicate open defecation and promote comprehensive sanitation practices throughout the country. The PM emphasized the mission’s transformative journey over the past decade and its role in redefining hygiene standards for millions of citizens.

Status of 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission

Key Achievements:

Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status:
- As of October 2024, the SBM has successfully declared over 700,000 villages as Open Defecation Free (ODF), significantly improving rural sanitation standards.
- The initiative led to the construction of approximately 100 million toilets across India, providing access to sanitation facilities for millions.
Behavioral Change and Awareness:
- Campaigns focused on behavioral change have significantly raised awareness about sanitation and hygiene practices, leading to a cultural shift in attitudes toward cleanliness.
- Community involvement and local leadership have been crucial in sustaining these efforts.
Waste Management Improvements:
- The SBM has made strides in solid waste management, with cities achieving waste processing rates of over 75%. Door-to-door waste collection is now implemented in over 97% of urban wards.
- The initiative has also expanded to include effective management of liquid waste and plastic waste, in line with the ODF Plus framework.
Economic Impact:
- The initiative has not only improved health outcomes but has also generated economic benefits, saving households significant amounts on medical costs associated with poor sanitation.
- A UNICEF study indicated that achieving ODF status in villages has saved households around ₹50,000 annually.
Global Recognition:
- The success of SBM has inspired international initiatives, such as Nigeria’s Clean Nigeria Campaign, demonstrating its global influence and leadership in sanitation practices.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Phase II of the SBM, launched in 2020, focuses on sustaining ODF status, enhancing waste management infrastructure, and empowering local bodies to manage sanitation effectively.
- Special initiatives like Swachh Iconic Places, Swachh Bharat Summer Internship, and the Waste to Wealth campaign have further reinforced the mission’s objectives.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

India, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, has always been admired for its historical significance, architectural marvels, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, it has also faced challenges related to cleanliness and sanitation for decades. Recognizing the urgent need for a clean and healthy environment, the Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on October 2, 2014. The aims and objectives of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is to transform India into a cleaner, more hygienic nation and has since become a symbol of national rejuvenation.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Overview

On October 2, 2014, the Prime Minister of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s aim or objective was to eliminate open defecation across the country by 2019.

Aspect	Description
Launch Date	October 2, 2014
Prime Minister	Narendra Modi
Objective	To achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness by eliminating open defecation, improving waste management, etc.
Components	Construction of toilets Behavioral change campaigns Solid waste management
Key Achievements	Construction of millions of toilets Decline in open defecation Increase in sanitation coverage

Two phases of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was executed in two distinct phases. The first phase was carried out until October 2019, while the second phase spanned from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The objectives of these phases were anchored in completing the groundwork laid in Phase 1.

The paramount goal of the mission was to achieve an open defecation-free (ODF) India by October 2, 2019, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Over this period, approximately 89.9 million toilets were estimated to have been constructed. The inaugural phase aimed at not only eradicating the practice of manual scavenging but also fostering awareness and transforming behavioral norms related to proper sanitation practices. Furthermore, it aimed to enhance local-level capacities.

The subsequent phase of the mission, Phase 2, had a twofold focus: promoting the maintenance of an open defecation-free status and enhancing the management of both solid and liquid waste. It also prioritized the improvement of the livelihoods of sanitation workers. The mission aligned itself with Target 6.2 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, established in 2015, which seeks to demonstrate advancements in sanitation. Below we have explained different phases of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-I

When Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) was launched on October 2, 2014, the rural sanitation coverage in the country stood at 38.7%.

Since the commencement of this initiative, over 100 million individual toilets have been built. Consequently, rural regions across all states proudly declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2, 2019.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-II

The emphasis of Phase-II lies in ensuring the enduring success of the accomplishments achieved in Phase-I. This phase places significant importance on the establishment of effective infrastructure for the management of Solid/Liquid & Plastic Waste (SLWM) in rural India.

Implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in a concerted mission mode, this phase is allocated a comprehensive budget of Rs. 1,40,881 crores.

Under the ODF Plus category, SLWM will be meticulously monitored using outcome indicators for four crucial domains:

Plastic waste management
Biodegradable solid waste management (including the management of animal waste)
Greywater (Household Wastewater) management
Fecal sludge management

Read about: Midday Meal Scheme

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Significance

Employment and Economic Upliftment: By constructing household and community toilets and establishing waste management infrastructure, the mission generates employment, invigorating the rural economy.
Effective Waste Management: The mission addresses the challenge of solid and liquid waste management in rural areas. This leads to marked advancements in the health and hygiene standards of rural communities.
Gram Panchayat Empowerment: In its second phase, SBM (Grameen) empowers Gram Panchayats by providing increased access to funds. These Panchayats are mandated to allocate half of their 15th Finance Commission funds, reinforcing local governance. Additionally, an extra Rs 5 lakh allocation for waste management via the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme further bolsters community initiatives.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U)

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), initiated on October 2, 2014, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a national endeavor aimed at fostering cleanliness, sanitation, and effective waste management within urban areas of India.

The program’s primary objective is to cleanse and eliminate open defecation from cities and towns across the country. The implementation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is divided into distinct phases.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 1.0

The initial phase of SBM-U revolved around the pivotal goal of achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across urban India. This entailed providing access to sanitary facilities and encouraging a shift in behavioral norms.

Significant success marked this phase, as urban India achieved the ODF status, with all 4,715 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) successfully eliminating open defecation. Among these, 3,547 ULBs advanced to ODF+ status, signifying the presence of hygienic community and public toilets. Additionally, 1,191 ULBs progressed to ODF++ status, indicating comprehensive fecal sludge management. Furthermore, 14 cities garnered the prestigious Water+ certification by effectively treating wastewater and maximizing its productive reuse.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (2021-2026)

Building upon the accomplishments of the initial phase, SBM-U 2.0 emerged as a continuum of its precursor. This second phase adopted a broader perspective, aiming not only for ODF+ and ODF++ standards but also striving for garbage-free urban regions.

Central to SBM-U 2.0 were sustainable sanitation practices, efficient waste management strategies, and the promotion of a circular economy model. The endeavor focused on harnessing waste as a resource, minimizing waste generation, and optimizing waste processing.

Achievements of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Open Defecation Free (ODF): Urban India accomplished the monumental feat of becoming open defecation-free. All 4,715 Urban Local Bodies eradicated open defecation.
ODF+ and ODF++: A total of 3,547 ULBs attained ODF+ status, boasting functional and hygienic community and public toilets. Moreover, 1,191 ULBs achieved ODF++ status, showcasing effective fecal sludge management.
Water+ Certification: Fourteen cities secured the Water+ certification, emblematic of wastewater treatment and its judicious reuse.
Waste Processing: Remarkable progress was witnessed in waste processing, surging from 17% in 2014 to an impressive 75% in 2023. Aided by comprehensive door-to-door waste collection in 97% of wards and source segregation practices in nearly 90% of wards across all ULBs.
Garbage Free Cities (GFC): The GFC-Star rating protocol, launched in January 2018, expanded from 56 cities in its initial year to 445 cities, with an ambitious target of achieving at least 1,000 3-star GFC by October 2024.

The budget for 2023-24 reaffirms India’s commitment to cultivating a circular economy by emphasizing the scientific management of both dry and wet waste. This resolute focus underscores the nation’s dedication to a cleaner, more sustainable urban landscape.

Funding Pattern

The PM Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s funding model involves cooperation among the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Rural Development, and states.
Funding ratio is 75:25 for regular states and 90:10 for North Eastern states.
Eligible rural beneficiaries receive Rs. 12,000 for constructing individual household latrines.
The initiative encompasses water storage facilities.
Funding sources include government budgets, international institutions, CSR initiatives, and the Swachh Bharat Kosh.

Special initiatives launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission

The Special initiatives launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission are:

Special initiatives launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission
Initiative	Description
Swachh Swasth Sarvatra	Linking sanitation with health indicators to improve hygiene practices in healthcare facilities.
Swachh Iconic Places	Enhancing cleanliness and sanitation at cultural and heritage sites to improve visitor experience.
Swachh Bharat Summer Internship	Engaging youth as summer interns to spread awareness about cleanliness and sanitation.
Swachh Bharat Pakhwada	Time-bound campaigns intensifying cleanliness efforts across sectors during specific fortnights.
Swachh Survekshan	Annual survey ranking cities based on sanitation efforts, promoting competition for cleanliness.
Waste to Wealth	Promoting waste management for economic value through recycling and resource recovery.
Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan	Improving sanitation in schools, providing clean toilets to support education and student health.
Gandagi Mukt Bharat	Campaign against waste, focusing on waste management, proper segregation, and responsible disposal.
ODF Plus and ODF++	Sustaining sanitation improvements, addressing waste management for cleaner and hygienic communities.

Obstacles to the Success of Swachh Bharat Mission

Behavioral Change Complexity: Achieving sustainable behavioral change towards sanitation practices poses a complex challenge, requiring a shift in ingrained habits and cultural norms.
Health Impact Tracking: The lack of a clear mechanism to track the direct health impacts of improved sanitation makes it difficult to showcase the mission’s positive effects on public health.
Data Inadequacy: The absence of comprehensive and reliable on-the-ground data hampers accurate assessment and progress monitoring, impeding evidence-based decision-making.
Varied Regional Dynamics: India’s diverse cultural and regional contexts demand tailored approaches, making it challenging to implement a standardized solution across the entire country.
Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure development in some areas pose hurdles in achieving universal access to sanitation facilities.
Financial Sustainability: Ensuring long-term financial sustainability for sanitation infrastructure maintenance and operation remains a concern, especially in resource-constrained areas.
Behavioral Resistance: Overcoming resistance to behavioral changes, particularly in rural and less-aware communities, requires persistent education and engagement efforts.
Open Defecation Tradition: Deep-rooted open defecation practices in certain regions hinder progress towards total sanitation coverage.
Limited Awareness: Lack of awareness about the importance of sanitation and proper waste disposal continues to be a barrier, necessitating extensive awareness campaigns.
Inclusivity: Ensuring equitable access for vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and disabled individuals, requires targeted strategies to overcome accessibility challenges.
Technology Adaptation: Effective adoption and implementation of innovative technologies for waste management and sanitation can be hindered by lack of awareness and training.