As India celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission), it is time to reflect on what has undoubtedly been one of the nation’s most significant achievements in the past decade. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, this ambitious initiative aimed to address the long-standing issues of sanitation and cleanliness across the country. The results have been nothing short of transformative.
One of the most remarkable successes of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan has been the dramatic reduction in open defecation. When the mission began, a staggering 55 crore people in rural India practised open defecation. Today, that number has been reduced to 32 crores. The construction of over 10 crore toilets in rural households has played a crucial role in achieving this milestone. States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Sikkim, and Kerala, along with over 200,000 villages, have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).
The impact of improved sanitation on public health cannot be overstated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant decline in diarrhoea-related fatalities, with 300,000 fewer deaths in 2019 compared to 2014. The mission has also contributed to reductions in malaria, stillbirth rates, and low birth weights among children under five. For women, the availability of toilets has not only improved health outcomes but also enhanced safety and dignity. A UNICEF report indicates that 93% of women feel safer after installing toilets in their homes.
The economic benefits of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan are equally impressive. Households in ODF villages report annual health-related savings averaging ₹50,000. Additionally, the risk of groundwater contamination due to human waste is significantly lower in these villages. The mission has also fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility, with citizens actively participating in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
Beyond the tangible benefits, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan has succeeded in making sanitation a national conversation. The mission’s Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns have been instrumental in changing deep-rooted cultural and behavioural norms associated with sanitation. The theme of this year’s Swachh Bharat Diwas, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,’ emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and environmental well-being.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan has not only transformed India but also garnered international acclaim. In 2019, Prime Minister Modi received the Global Goalkeeper Award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the substantial progress made under the mission. This recognition underscores the global significance of India’s efforts in improving sanitation and public health.