Swachh Bharat 2.0: Moving forward together

Source: The post is based on an article “Swachh Bharat 2.0: Moving forward together” published in The Indian Express on 1^st October 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3

Relevance: measures taken to improve sanitation

News: The article highlights the importance of private sector in resolving the issue of Sanitation.

The concept of sanitation in India has been around since the Indus Valley civilization.

Sanitation coverage in India was as low as 39 per cent till 2014. Around 55 crore people in rural areas were without a toilet facility before 2014.

This severely affected the health and dignity of our people, especially women and children.

What are the impacts of poor sanitation?

Health: Poor sanitation has a great impact on health. For example, contaminated drinking water and food become a major cause of diarrhea and other diseases. It further leads to stunting in our children.

Environment: Poor hygiene and waste management practices also impact the environment. The untreated sewage flows directly into water bodies and affects marine ecosystems, contaminates soil and air.

Economy: A study by the World Bank states that the absence of toilets and conventional sanitation costs India 6.4 per cent of its GDP in 2006. The economic impact of poor sanitation for India is at least $38.5 billion every year under health, education, access time and tourism.

Therefore, the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission have been effective in improving sanitation in India.

How has Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) helped in improving sanitation in India?

More than 10 crore toilets were constructed from 2014 to 2020 and the country declared itself ODF on October 2, 2019. This achievement was the result of SBM, that was launched in 2014.

One of its goals was to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).

This was done by offering financial incentives for building household toilets as well as community toilets for slums and migrant populations.

The government also ran several programmes with the participation of the private sector and NGOs to educate the population on the benefits of ODF.

The second phase of the project was started in 2020 and is expected to run till 2025.

It has set even more ambitious targets such as a) sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and b) ensuring the treatment of both liquid and solid waste.

The targets will be achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.

What is Lighthouse Initiative (LHI)?

It has been started by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

It will be implemented through PPP across villages in 75 gram-panchayats in 15 states in Phase1. It is based on the principle of inclusive sanitation.

It aims to build solid and liquid waste management structures.

This will be done by employing a participatory and consultative approach through mobilisation of the village communities, corporates, district and block administration and gram panchayat officers.

What is India Sanitation Coalition (ISC)?

It is a multi-stakeholder platform that creates meaningful collaborations. These stakeholders include the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors, etc.

ISC is recognised as the official meeting point between the government and the private sector for engagement in building sustainable solid and liquid waste management infrastructure.

Corporates such as ITC, Jindal Steel and Power, JSW, Nayara, etc. have come forward for collaboration.

This has also led the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation to recognise the benefits of working with the private sector.

Therefore, the Department has sought the construction of soak pits, waste stabilisation ponds, drainage channels, etc. in collaboration with private sector.

The fund has been provided by the Department and it will be further supplement by private sector through CSR funding.

What are other means to create hygienic surroundings in collaboration with villagers?

Managing plastic waste as well as wastewater at a village level by providing solutions to households to convert waste to earn a remunerative return.

It will create hygienic surroundings for the communities and make households economically self-sufficient.

Moreover, recovery of grey water can help to tackle scarce water resources, encouraging reuse and conserving water bodies.

Further, collaboration of corporates with the village communities will help to convert their waste to wealth by utilising simple and cost-effective technologies.