Table of Contents
Introduction:
India has achieved a momentous milestone in its sanitation journey as 75% of its villages have now declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus under Phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). This significant accomplishment, announced by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marks a major step towards achieving the ambitious SBM-G Phase II goals by 2024-25.
In a resolute call for national action, Prime Minister Modi is urging citizens to actively engage in a sweeping cleanliness drive on October 1 at 10 AM.
Marking a significant step in this ongoing mission, the Swachh Bharat Mission was inaugurated on October 2, 2014, aligning with the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti—the revered birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as Bapu or the Father of the Nation.
History Unveiled:
Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Swachh Bharat Mission saw its genesis on October 2, 2014. Fast forward to 2021, and PM Modi introduced the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, envisioning ‘Garbage Free’ and ‘Water Secure’ cities across India. This five-year initiative, launched on October 1, 2021, paves the way for the upcoming ‘Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2023 campaign.
Significance Amplified:
The mission aims to expedite efforts toward achieving open defecation-free status and universal sanitation coverage throughout the country. Swachh Bharat Mission-U 2.0 aims for 100% source segregation, door-to-door waste collection, scientific waste management, and remediation of legacy dumpsites into green zones.
To emphasize the importance of cleanliness, towns, Gram Panchayats, civil aviation, railways, and public institutions are gearing up for cleanliness events on October 1.
Prime Minister Modi, on September 29, emphasized that a ‘Clean India’ is a collective responsibility and called for nationwide participation in a pivotal cleanliness initiative on October 1 at 10 AM. In his social media post, he asserted, “A Swachh Bharat is a shared responsibility, and every effort counts. Join this noble endeavour to usher in a cleaner future.”
Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, also echoed this sentiment, urging people to actively engage in the event.
Mega Cleanliness Drive Unveiled:
In his 105th episode of Mann ki Baat, PM Modi unveiled plans for a major cleanliness event scheduled for October 1 at 10 AM. Encouraging citizens to contribute their time, he urged participation in cleanliness campaigns across neighbourhoods, parks, riversides, and public areas.
Titled the ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Campaign, this mega cleanliness drive is set to mark the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti. PM Modi appealed for one hour of ‘Shramdaan for swachhata’ at 10 AM on October 1.
Digital Participation Hub
A dedicated portal has been established to assist organizations in coordinating various activities. It also extends invitations to influencers and citizens to join as Swachhata Ambassadors. Participants can contribute by uploading pictures to the portal, marking their active involvement in this nationwide endeavour.
ODF Plus: A New Benchmark:
An ODF Plus village not only sustains its ODF status but also implements effective solid or liquid waste management systems. As of the latest update, more than 4.43 lakh villages across the nation have declared themselves ODF Plus, showcasing the country’s commitment to holistic sanitation.
Top Performers Leading the Way:
Fourteen states and union territories have achieved a remarkable 100% ODF Plus status, setting them apart as leaders in the sanitation revolution. These top-performing regions include Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura. Among them, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim have achieved 100% ODF Plus Model villages, showcasing an exceptional commitment to sustainable sanitation practices.
Visionary Leadership and National Commitment:
Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the integral role of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in prioritizing the Swachh Bharat Mission since 2014. The mission evolved into a mass movement, achieving its initial target of becoming Open Defecation Free by 2019. The subsequent phase, SBM-G Phase II, aims to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025.
Progress and Budget Allocation:
Shri Shekhawat outlined the significant budget outlay of 1.43 lakh crores for SBM Phase II, with a focus on sustainability and effective waste management. The allocated funds are crucial for building sanitation assets, promoting behaviour change, and implementing solid and liquid waste management systems. Notable states leading in fund utilization this year include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
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Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) – 2023 Campaign:
The achievement of 75% ODF Plus Villages coincides with the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) – 2023 campaign, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 2nd. With the theme of ‘Garbage Free India,’ the campaign has witnessed the participation of 5 crore people, with over 2.05 crore individuals actively engaging in Shramdaan activities.
Major Achievements of SHS-2023
Under SHS-2023, various cleaning activities have been conducted across beaches, riverbanks, legacy waste sites, tourist spots, public places, water bodies, institutional buildings, and garbage-vulnerable sites. The substantial participation reflects the commitment of communities towards achieving the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Comprehensive Waste Management Initiatives
The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission is evident in its comprehensive waste management initiatives, including solid waste management, plastic waste management, bio-degradable waste management, and greywater management. Noteworthy achievements include the establishment of Plastic Waste Management Units, the utilization of waste plastic in road construction, and the promotion of bio-degradable waste management at the household level.
Greywater Management for Sustainable Living
SBM-G has prioritized greywater management with campaigns like Sujlam, focusing on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recharge. The campaigns have resulted in the construction of an estimated 5.1 million soak pits for greywater management, contributing significantly to the ODF Plus achievements.
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Faecal Sludge Management
The initiative emphasizes twin pit toilets for in-situ treatment of liquid waste, with a focus on mechanized desludging and evacuating faecal sludge to treatment plants. Funds are allocated for the retrofitting of single pit toilets and linkage with existing treatment facilities, contributing to safe sanitation practices across rural households.
Conclusion
India’s achievement of 75% ODF Plus villages is not just a statistical milestone; it represents a collective commitment to sustainable sanitation practices. The Swachh Bharat Mission continues to transform the landscape, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally conscious India. As the nation progresses towards the SBM-G Phase II goals, this remarkable achievement sets a strong foundation for the future of Swachh Bharat – a truly clean and prosperous India.
