Modi Praises Swachh Bharat Mission as a Representative of Joint Determination in the 124th Mann Ki Baat Broadcast
In his recent address during Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the importance of cleanliness as a shared responsibility, emphasizing that a clean India can only be achieved through daily dedication and priority throughout the year. This call to action resonates with the ongoing efforts of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which marks its eleventh anniversary this year.
Launched in 2014, the SBM has made significant strides in promoting sustainable living, waste management, and community-driven change across India. Currently, SBM is in its second phase, focusing on achieving Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus) status by 2024-25. This ambitious goal extends beyond sanitation to encompass solid and liquid waste management, plastic waste handling, greywater treatment, and urban sanitation sustainability.
The mission has deeply ingrained sanitation and cleanliness into the daily lives and culture of Indian citizens, fostering a behavioral shift that extends far beyond toilet construction. The Swachh Survekshan, an annual cleanliness survey and competitive ranking of cities, plays a crucial role in this progress by encouraging peer learning and motivating urban local bodies through rankings and awards. For instance, Madhya Pradesh has won eight national Swachh Survekshan awards, a testament to sustained community engagement and state leadership in cleanliness and sustainability.
In terms of sustainable waste management, SBM Phase-II incorporates solid and liquid waste management in rural areas and advanced waste processing and faecal sludge management in urban centers. The government has also initiated programs like the Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation, set to begin in August 2025, to tackle legacy urban waste scientifically, unlock urban space, and improve environmental outcomes. Peer mentoring by high-performing cities to lower-performing ones further amplifies community-driven change and capacity building.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is not just about infrastructure development; it's about empowering women and fostering public involvement. This is evident in the numerous success stories across the country, such as the dedicated Gomti River cleaning team in Lucknow, who have been cleaning the river every Sunday for ten years, and the cities of Karad and Vijayawada leading by example in water management. Ahmedabad, too, stands out for its riverfront cleanups.
The SBM's impact is evident in improved hygiene standards, reduced open defecation, enhanced solid waste management, and growing public participation and pride in cleanliness efforts across urban and rural India. As the mission continues to evolve, it remains a shining example of teamwork and creativity, transforming the country one step at a time towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
In a related development, Microsoft has announced that it is using human waste to offset AI's carbon emissions by 4.9 million tons. This innovative approach to waste management serves as a reminder that the fight for a cleaner, better future is a global endeavour, one that requires ongoing dedication and collaboration.
[1] Ministry of Jal Shakti. (n.d.). Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). Retrieved from https://jalshakti.gov.in/swachhbharatmission-urban
[2] Press Information Bureau. (2023, February 1). Madhya Pradesh Wins 8 National Level Swachh Survekshan Awards. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1844043
[3] Ministry of Jal Shakti. (2023, February 2). Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0. Retrieved from https://jalshakti.gov.in/swachhbharatmission-urban-2-0
- The Swachh Bharat Mission is expanding its focus beyond sanitation, encouraging courses in environmental science to combat climate-change and promote sustainable-living.
- As the Mission advances, NGOs and organizations are encouraged to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting into their strategies to align with the mission's goals.
- In homes and gardens across the country, residents are adopting eco-friendly practices, demonstrating the widespread impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on lifestyle choices.
- The mission's success story is not just about cleaner cities, it's about a greener environment—an ambitious report on India's environmental-science future recommends enhancing natural infrastructure for improved climate-change resilience.
- In the realm of science, recent advancements in waste management technology are transforming the handling and processing of both solid and liquid waste, enhancing the mission's long-term sustainability.
- As the mission looks to the future, it's exciting to envision a India where water management is streamlined, green spaces flourish, and cleanliness and sustainability are instilled in every household, empowering citizens to create a more sustainable home-and-garden lifestyle.
