“Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. This timeless proverb embodies the essence of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on 2nd October 2014, echoing both spiritual and practical imperatives of cleanliness. Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch advocate of sanitation, once remarked, “Sanitation is more important than independence,” aligning the nation’s struggle for freedom with its duty to ensure cleanliness for all. The Swachh Bharat Mission, inspired by this belief, has not only become a testament to India’s commitment to hygiene but also a transformative movement that touches the lives of millions. It stands as a reminder that true progress begins with clean surroundings, creating a foundation for a healthier, more dignified society.
With the Mission completing a decade since its launch, India stands at a critical juncture in its quest for nationwide cleanliness and sanitation. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ambitious programme sought to eliminate open defecation and ensure universal access to sanitation facilities, particularly for the rural population. A key milestone was achieved in 2019 when the government declared India “Open Defecation Free” (ODF), a landmark event that emphasised the country’s commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of sanitation.
SBM was split into two distinct initiatives: Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), focused on rural India, and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), tailored to urban areas. Over the past decade, the mission has delivered significant results, dramatically increasing sanitation coverage across the country. As of 2024, 100% of rural households have access to individual household latrines (IHHL), a figure that stands in stark contrast to the pre-SBM era, where less than 39% of rural India had access to sanitation facilities.
The SBM-G programme has emphasised not just the construction of toilets but also behavioural change. The cornerstone of the initiative is the concept of ODF Plus, which goes beyond mere access to toilets and focuses on sustaining these achievements through improved water and waste management systems. Over 5.5 lakh villages have now been declared ODF Plus, a monumental feat in rural sanitation.
Urban sanitation, under SBM-U, has seen comparable success. The programme has focused on solid waste management, with urban local bodies (ULBs) achieving 100% door-to-door collection of waste in over 95% of Indian cities. Furthermore, 78% of urban waste is now processed, reflecting a concerted effort toward scientific waste management. With over 6.3 million public and community toilets constructed and the development of smart cities, SBM-U has provided an infrastructural backbone to India’s growing urban landscape.
However, despite these extraordinary achievements, challenges remain. Water scarcity continues to pose a threat to maintaining sanitation facilities in certain rural areas. The continued prevalence of open defecation in a small percentage of the population, particularly in marginalised and economically backward regions, underscores the need for sustained intervention. Furthermore, while waste management systems have expanded, the processing and recycling of plastic waste remain areas for future focus.
Looking ahead, the Swachh Bharat Mission is poised to enter its next phase, focusing on sustainability. The Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 seeks to consolidate gains by embedding hygiene practices as a permanent facet of Indian society, advancing toward the goal of ODF++, which envisions effective solid and liquid waste management at the village and ward level.
As India celebrates 10 years of Swachh Bharat, the road ahead beckons continued innovation and participation. The Swachh Bharat Mission, in its enduring pursuit of cleanliness, has indeed laid the groundwork for a healthier and more dignified India, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a nation where sanitation and hygiene form the cornerstone of public life.