The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), also known as the Clean India Mission, is a nationwide campaign launched in 2014. This visionary initiative aims to accelerate sanitation coverage, achieve universal cleanliness, and transform India’s public health landscape. SBM focuses on eradicating open defecation, promoting waste management, and instilling a sense of public hygiene consciousness among India’s citizens.
Key Components of Swachh Bharat Mission
- Rural Sanitation (SBM-G): Construction of individual household toilets and community toilets to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in rural areas.
- Urban Sanitation (SBM-U): Focuses on solid waste management, construction of public toilets, and eradication of manual scavenging in urban India.
- Behaviour Change and Awareness: SBM emphasizes awareness campaigns, community mobilization, and behavior change communication to drive sanitation adoption and public participation.
Impact of Swachh Bharat Mission
SBM has made remarkable progress towards improving India’s sanitation and hygiene standards:
- ODF Success: As of October 2019, rural India declared itself Open Defecation Free. Over 100 million toilets have been constructed under SBM-G.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Reduced incidence of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases due to improved sanitation facilities.
- Waste Management Initiatives: Increased emphasis on door-to-door waste collection, segregation, and waste processing.
- Changing Mindsets: SBM has ignited a national conversation around cleanliness, with notable shifts in behavioral practices related to sanitation and hygiene.
Examples and Case Studies
- Model Villages: Several villages in different states have emerged as ODF success stories, serving as models for other communities.
- Innovative Waste Solutions: Cities like Indore have implemented successful models for solid waste management, becoming an example for urban waste reduction and recycling.
- Women-led Sanitation Initiatives: Many communities see women leaders and self-help groups driving sanitation adoption and awareness campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How is SBM funded? SBM is funded through a combination of government schemes, corporate social responsibility, and contributions from individuals and organizations.
- How can I contribute to SBM? Citizens can participate by using toilets, practicing proper waste segregation, and actively promoting cleanliness in their communities
- What is the status of SBM’s goals? While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in sustaining ODF status and ensuring effective waste management systems.
MCQs
- The Swachh Bharat Mission primarily aims to:
- A. Promote economic development
- B. Increase literacy rates
- C. Improve sanitation and hygiene
- D. Modernize the military
- Which of these practices is NOT actively promoted by SBM?
- A. Manual scavenging
- B. Toilet use
- C. Hand washing with soap
- D. Waste segregation