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Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

GS-2 Mains

Revision Notes

Question : Analyze the achievements and challenges of the Swachh Bharat Mission in achieving universal sanitation coverage in India. What are the key factors contributing to its success.

Context

• India’s low ranking in the 2022 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) raises questions about Swachh Bharat Mission’s (SBM) success.
• EPI ranks countries on environmental health, climate change performance, and ecosystem vitality.
• The government criticizes the EPI methodology for not reflecting India’s scenario accurately.

About Swachh Bharat Mission

• Launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage by 2019.
• Components:
  • SBM (Urban): Implemented by Ministry of Urban Development.
  • SBM (Gramin / Rural): Implemented by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• Goals:
  • Improve living standards.
  • Eradicate open defecation.
  • Solid and liquid waste management.
• Phases:
  • SBM Phase I (2014-2019): Focused on toilet construction and ODF status.
  • SBM Phase II (2020-2025): Focuses on ODF Plus (sustainability & waste management).
    • ODF Plus: ODF village with solid/liquid waste management system.

Achievements of SBM

• SBM Phase I:
  • Over 10 crore individual household toilets constructed.
  • Sanitation coverage increased from 39% (2014) to 100% (2019).
  • Around 6 lakh villages declared ODF.
  • Achieved SDG 6.2 (Sanitation and Hygiene) 11 years early.
• SBM Phase II:
  • 75% villages achieved ODF Plus status.
  • States/UTs with 100% ODF Plus villages: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura.

Challenges in Implementing SBM

• Behavioral Change:
  • Deep-rooted cultural attitudes towards cleanliness and sanitation are difficult to change.
  • Sustained education and awareness campaigns are needed.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Building adequate sanitation infrastructure (toilets, waste management) is challenging, especially in rural areas.
  • Investment and planning are needed for remote and disadvantaged regions.
• Maintenance of Infrastructure:
  • Proper maintenance and usage of toilets over time is crucial.
  • Many toilets face issues due to lack of ownership or awareness.
• Open Defecation:
  • Despite efforts, open defecation persists in some areas due to:
    • Lack of awareness.
    • Cultural practices.
    • Inadequate toilet facilities.
  • Community engagement and behavior change communication are needed.
• Waste Management:
  • Proper solid and liquid waste management is essential but often inadequate.
  • Issues like littering and water source contamination arise due to poor waste collection, segregation, and disposal systems.
• Funding and Resources:
  • While significant funds are allocated, ensuring effective utilization at the grassroots level remains a challenge.

Way Ahead

• A multi-pronged approach is needed for SBM’s success:
  • Government intervention.
  • Active participation from communities, civil society organizations, and stakeholders.
• Sustainable solutions addressing the root causes of sanitation and cleanliness issues are crucial.
• Continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms are essential for long-term success.