Swachh Bharat Mission: Key Provisions and Impact

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: OBJECTIVES, IMPACT, AND CHALLENGES

1. What is the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)?
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a nationwide cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014. It aims to eliminate open defecation, improve sanitation, and promote hygiene practices across rural and urban areas. SBM focuses on building household and community toilets, raising awareness about sanitation, and fostering behavioural changes to ensure a cleaner environment.

2. What are the key provisions of the Swachh Bharat Mission?
The key provisions of SBM include:
• Construction of over 11 crore household toilets in rural areas and over 63 lakh individual and community toilets in urban areas.

• Promotion of hygiene education and campaigns to change behaviour regarding sanitation.

• Declaration of villages and districts as Open Defecation Free (ODF).

• Investments in solid and liquid waste management infrastructure.

3. What are the main aims of the Swachh Bharat Mission?
The primary aims of SBM are:
• Achieving a 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by ensuring access to proper toilet facilities for all citizens.

• Promoting sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases.

• Improving the quality of life, particularly in rural areas, by providing cleaner living environments and reducing public health risks.

• Encouraging a sustainable approach to waste management and sanitation.

4. What has been the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on infant mortality?
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature, SBM has had a significant positive impact on public health. It is estimated that the initiative has averted around 60,000 to 70,000 infant deaths annually between 2014 and 2020. Improved access to toilets and better sanitation services have contributed to the reduction of preventable diseases and infant mortality, especially in rural areas. This decrease is a direct result of improved hygiene practices and reduced exposure to unsafe environments.

5. What challenges does the Swachh Bharat Mission face?
Despite its successes, SBM faces several challenges:

• Sustainability of infrastructure: Ensuring that toilets built under the mission are used, maintained, and sustainable in the long term.

• Behavioural change: Although toilet coverage has improved, changing deep-rooted cultural habits and ensuring consistent use of sanitation facilities remains a challenge.

• Waste management: While the mission has improved sanitation infrastructure, the disposal of waste, particularly in rural areas, needs further attention. Investments in waste management and treatment facilities are necessary for long-term health benefits.

• Health impact: Continuing to integrate SBM with public health initiatives to address wider issues like malnutrition and undernutrition alongside sanitation improvements.

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