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The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), a flagship initiative of the Indian government, has completed a decade of transformative efforts aimed at improving sanitation across the country. While the campaign to eliminate open defecation has achieved notable success, the challenge now lies in maintaining and expanding these gains. SBM's journey, marked by significant progress and its transition into a new phase, underscores the importance of integrating sanitation practices into the fabric of Indian society.
International research highlights the health benefits of SBM, with studies revealing a significant reduction in infant mortality attributed to the program. This underscores the critical role of sanitation in improving public health. However, despite its nationwide reach, SBM has largely remained a government-driven initiative, limiting its full impact and potential for sustained change. The focus now shifts towards transforming sanitation into a collective responsibility, fostering a culture of cleanliness across communities.
The next phase of SBM aims for 'sampoorna swachhata,' encompassing a holistic approach to cleanliness. This entails addressing critical areas such as solid waste management, clean water access, and air quality. The current state of affairs in India's urban centers paints a stark picture. Improper waste collection and disposal have led to the accumulation of mountains of garbage, posing serious health risks. Rivers and streams have become polluted conduits for untreated wastewater, further exacerbating environmental and health concerns.
Addressing these pressing issues necessitates a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. Technological solutions exist, but their implementation requires a strong commitment from the administration, political leadership, and civil society. This includes investing resources, engaging experts, and empowering sanitation workers with modern technologies and knowledge. Promoting awareness about waste segregation at source, both in households and among waste management professionals, is crucial for efficient and safe waste disposal.
Clean air has gained momentum in civic discourse, and similar attention needs to be directed towards water and waste management. The judiciary has repeatedly intervened to urge the administration to take action, highlighting the lack of initiative at the local level. Rural communities have shown promise, with states like Maharashtra implementing programs that reward clean villages, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for cleanliness. These models can be adapted and replicated in other regions, considering local cultural nuances.
The benefits of clean air, water, and effective waste management are multifaceted. From improved health outcomes to enhanced tourism potential, a clean environment contributes to economic growth and resource conservation. SBM should embrace these interconnected benefits as its guiding principles in its next phase, leveraging its success to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable India.
Source: Going ahead for Swachh Bharat