Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is an ambitious scheme of the Government of India, which was launched on 2 October 2014, on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
Its objective was to promote sanitation, eliminate open defecation and strengthen solid and liquid waste management across the country.
A total of βΉ1,20,321 crore has been spent under this campaign from 2014 to 2024. But has this campaign actually made India cleaner?
Achievements of Clean India Campaign
Toilet Building: Crores of toilets were constructed under the scheme, leading to India being declared “open defecation free” (ODF) in 2019. Emphasis was laid on changing the cleanliness habits of people in rural and urban areas.
Waste Management: The government took several initiatives for solid waste management, including door-to-door garbage collection and system for separating waste into wet and dry waste. Waste-to-energy plants have also been set up in many cities.
Public awareness: Efforts were made to spread the message of cleanliness through Bollywood celebrities, sportspersons and influential persons. Campaigns were conducted in schools to make children aware of cleanliness.
Cleanliness Survey: Every year, the ranking of cleanliness of cities is released through ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, which has increased competition among municipal corporations and local administration.
Challenges & Limitations
- Lack of behavioral change: Despite government efforts, many people still defecate in the open and throw garbage on the streets. Developing the habit of using toilets in rural areas is taking time.
- Garbage Disposal Problem: The system of garbage collection has improved, but there is still a lack of techniques to destroy it properly. Mountains of garbage have emerged at many places.
- Inadequate Drainage and Sewage System: Drainage problems persist in many cities, which increases the risk of filth and diseases.
- Corruption and Misappropriation of Money: Despite spending such a huge amount of money, there seems to be a lack of basic facilities at many places, which raises the question whether the funds are being utilized in the right place.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has definitely brought a positive change in cleanliness in India, but it cannot be called completely successful.
The campaign has played an important role in raising awareness about toilet construction, waste management and cleanliness, but there are still many areas that require improvement.
If the government, local administration and general public make continuous efforts, then this campaign can be successful in making India truly clean.
