The Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) marks a significant turning point in India’s sanitation story, rooted in a rich history of ancient innovations and supported by modern government initiatives. Launched in 2014 by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, this mission aimed to make India Open Defecation Free (ODF). This ambitious project rallied people across the country, making it the largest movement for behavioral change in the world. By 2019, the mission proudly announced the construction of over 100 million individual household toilets and declared more than 600,000 villages ODF, honoring Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birthday and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.2.
Health Improvements:
- The WHO reported 300,000 fewer diarrheal deaths in 2019 compared to 2014, directly attributable to improved sanitation.-
Economic Benefits:
- Families in ODF villages saved an average of INR 50,000 annually on health costs.
Environmental Conservation:
- A significant reduction in groundwater contamination was noted in ODF areas.
Enhanced Safety and Dignity for Women:
- With better access to sanitation facilities, 93% of women reported feeling safer at home.
Building on these achievements, Phase II of SBM-G, launched post-2019, aims to sustain the ODF status and introduce comprehensive solid and liquid waste management across rural India to achieve ‘Sampoorn Swachhata’.
This current phase is backed by a hefty investment of Rs.1.40 lakh crores, which brings together various government schemes to further boost sanitation infrastructure. Beyond just building facilities, SBM-G is also championing creative cleanliness initiatives like the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating and Swachhata Hi Sewa, rallying millions to join in on cleanliness drives. The Light House Initiative and the creation of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) in Kolkata highlight the mission’s commitment to education and development, aiming to motivate and train other regions to reach ODF Plus status.
The SBM-G model serves not only as a testament to India’s dedication to improving public health and hygiene but also as a beacon of community-driven change, integrating the efforts of multiple ministries and millions of citizens. This journey from basic sanitation to a holistic approach towards sustainable sanitation practices marks a pivotal shift in India’s public health strategy.[Read more about the continuous efforts and the visionary programs under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible in public health and community involvement.]