The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was a bold step toward transforming India into a clean and hygienic nation. With a clear focus on sanitation and public health, the mission set ambitious goals to eliminate open defecation, improve waste management systems, and raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness. The transformation brought by the SBM has been multi-dimensional, impacting not only physical infrastructure but also public attitudes and Government policies. Through widespread public participation, massive infrastructural development, and a shift in societal mindsets, the mission has had a profound and lasting impact on India’s journey toward progress and prosperity.
The biggest goal of the SBM was to make the country open defecation-free. When the campaign was launched, more than half of nation’s population lacked access to toilets, making open defecation a daily reality for millions. This posed severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and women, and contributed to diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid. By constructing over 12 crore toilets, the SBM has significantly reduced the practice of open defecation, resulting in tangible public health benefits. International studies have shown that the mission has saved thousands of lives annually by reducing diseases caused by poor sanitation. For women, in particular, the availability of toilets has been a game changer. The lack of sanitation facilities often forced women to go out in the open, exposing them to safety risks and health hazards. This was not only a source of daily discomfort but also a major reason for school dropouts among girls. By providing safe and hygienic toilets, the SBM has helped restore dignity to women and improved their access to education, contributing to gender equity in the country.
One of the SBM’s key successes lies in the behavioural change it has sparked among the Indian population. Cleanliness and sanitation, once relegated to the margins of public discourse, have now become central to national consciousness. The ‘Sewa Pakhwada,’ where over 28 crore people participated in cleanliness drives and awareness programs, demonstrates the scale at which this movement has been internalised by ordinary citizens. By involving local communities, schools, and Government officials, the SBM has fostered a sense of ownership among the people, turning cleanliness from a Government mandate into a public-driven mission.
The SBM’s focus was not limited to eliminating open defecation but also extended to improving waste management practices nationwide. Under SBM, several waste management initiatives were launched, focussing on waste segregation, recycling, and converting waste into energy. The mission has also fostered the growth of a circular economy, where waste is seen as a valuable resource that can be recycled or repurposed. This has opened up new economic opportunities in sectors like waste collection, recycling, and clean technology. Around 5,000 clean-tech start-ups have been registered under the Swachh Bharat Mission, showcasing the economic potential of this sector. From converting household waste into biogas to recycling water for agricultural purposes, the mission has spurred innovation and entrepreneurship in the sanitation sector.
Another significant transformation brought about by the SBM is the improved status of sanitation workers. By improving working conditions, providing protective equipment, and raising public awareness about the importance of their contributions, the SBM has brought about a shift in societal attitudes towards sanitation workers. The Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate manual scavenging through mechanisation and technology also mark a significant step forward.
However, the journey is far from over. Maintaining the gains of the mission will require continuous efforts from the Government and citizens alike. Cleanliness is not a one-time achievement but a habit that needs to be ingrained in everyday life. The mission has ensured innovative solutions through technology and start-up ecosystems to address emerging challenges in sanitation and waste management. The success of SBM proves that when people come together for a common cause, even the most entrenched challenges can be overcome. Strength lies in focused approach.
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