Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: A Decade of Transforming India Through Cleanliness and Hygiene

On October 2, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a national cleanliness mission aimed at ensuring cleanliness, health, and hygiene for all Indian citizens. This initiative, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, marked a significant turning point in India's journey towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

A Nationwide Movement

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was envisioned as a jan-andolan, or people's movement, to inspire citizens across the country to take part in the cleanliness drive. Prime Minister Modi himself set the example by initiating the cleanliness campaign at the Mandir Marg police station in Delhi, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness. The mission was divided into two key components: Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) for rural areas and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) for urban areas.

Infrastructure Development and Job Creation

In its first phase, the mission focused on developing sanitation infrastructure on a massive scale. Over 110 million toilets were constructed, providing direct employment to 2.59 million full-time workers and indirect employment to 4.95 million more. This included jobs for laborers, masons, engineers, and sanitation workers. The mission also empowered women by training them as women masons, known as Rani Mistries, to construct sanitation infrastructure.

The second phase of the mission shifted focus to solid and liquid waste management, spurring the growth of the waste management industry. This generated jobs in the collection, transportation, processing, and recycling of waste. Women-led self-help groups (SHGs) played a crucial role in waste management initiatives, driving waste collection, educating communities on segregation, and unlocking value from waste through composting and recycling.

Impact on Public Health

The Swachh Bharat Mission has had a significant impact on public health. According to recent studies, the construction of toilets under this mission may have helped avert roughly 60,000-70,000 infant deaths every year. Access to proper toilets has played a crucial role in reducing infant and child mortality, highlighting the mission's contribution to improving public health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the progress, the mission still faces challenges, particularly in addressing plastic pollution. A recent survey revealed that 86% of Indians spot plastic waste daily, with food wrappers and plastic bottles being the most common litter. There is a growing consensus that the government should mandate recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable packaging for packaged foods by the end of 2025.

The mission continues to evolve, with initiatives like the Light House Initiative (LHI) and the Plastic Circularity project working to mainstream marginalized waste workers and promote sustainability. These efforts are supported by government schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, further strengthening the mission's impact.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has seen widespread participation from various segments of society, including government employees, soldiers, Bollywood actors, athletes, industrialists, and spiritual leaders. The mission has empowered communities, especially women, to take charge of their environment and health. Through initiatives like the 'MyCleanIndia' campaign, the mission has leveraged social media to encourage public participation and highlight individual contributions to cleanliness.