Yojana Summary: October 2024 – 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission

1. Swachh Bharat Mission: Impact on Rural Sanitation and SMART Approach

Introduction

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) focuses on eradicating open defecation, enhancing public health, empowering women, and driving economic growth while fostering a cultural shift towards cleanliness.
• As India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, the SBM plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Historical Context

• Sanitation in India has deep historical roots, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Despite these ancient practices, modern India faced substantial challenges, with only 39% of the population having access to basic toilet facilities in 2014.
• Over 55 crore people were practising open defecation, disproportionately affecting women who faced health risks and vulnerability to harassment.

Key Achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission

• Open Defecation Free (ODF) Target: SBM aimed to make India ODF by 2019, successfully achieving this ambitious goal.
• Sanitation Infrastructure: The mission led to the construction of over 116 million household toilets, significantly increasing sanitation coverage in rural areas.
• Public Health Improvements: The initiative averted an estimated 3 lakh child deaths annually due to diarrhoea and reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases, lowering morbidity and mortality rates.
• Empowerment of Women: Providing safe and private sanitation facilities has enhanced women’s dignity and safety in rural communities.
• Economic Impact: SBM helped India avoid a potential GDP loss of 44%, estimated at $53.7 billion due to poor sanitation in 2006.
• Environmental Sustainability: The mission effectively addressed the environmental consequences of open defecation and improper waste management.

Government Initiatives Supporting SBM

• Central Rural Sanitation Programme (CRSP): Launched in 1986, it aimed at constructing toilets across rural areas.
• Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC): Initiated in 1999, it focused on creating demand for sanitation through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities.
• Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA): Launched in 2012, it promoted community-led approaches to sanitation, setting the stage for the SBM.

Progress in Phases of the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G)

Phase 1 Achievements

• Focused on ending open defecation through extensive toilet construction and community involvement.
• Millions of toilets were built, leading to numerous villages being declared ODF-free.
• Emphasis on sustaining ODF achievements and addressing broader sanitation issues.

Phase 2 Developments

• Expanded to include solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) and visual cleanliness.
• Initiatives included household compost pits and community waste stabilisation ponds to improve waste management.
• Focus on community engagement and capacity building for long-term sustainability.

Future Directions

• The mission adopts a SMART approach—Sustainable, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Plans to make women central to sanitation development and ensure the sustainability of assets and behaviours.
• Encouraging private sector involvement and adopting innovative sanitation technologies to address challenges.

Conclusion

• The Swachh Bharat Mission has significantly improved rural sanitation and cleanliness in India, addressing critical health, gender, and economic issues.
• By fostering a cultural shift towards cleanliness and sustainability, the mission has set a foundation for long-term public health benefits and empowerment.

2. Special campaign 4.0: For Institutionalising Swachhata and Reducing Pendency in Government

Introduction

• Special Campaign 4.0 is a comprehensive initiative by the Indian Government aimed at institutionalising cleanliness (Swachhata) and reducing pendency in government offices.
• The campaign is a step toward making government offices more citizen-centric, functional, and efficient, fostering better interaction between citizens and government officials.

Evolution of the Campaign

• Building on the momentum from Special Campaigns conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Special Campaign 4.0 has seen progressive enhancements in areas such as office management, sanitation protocols, and inclusivity.
• The initiative’s expansion covers all government ministries and departments across the country and internationally.

Key Focus Areas of Special Campaign 4.0

• Reduction of Pendency: The campaign has successfully reduced pendency in key areas like public grievances, record management, and inter-departmental coordination, resulting in quicker grievance resolution and more efficient governance.
  • Achievements include the redressal of over 70 lakh public grievances in the last three years and reducing grievance resolution timelines from 30 to 21 days.
• Digitization and Record Management: Digitization efforts streamline office operations, reduce paperwork, and facilitate better record-keeping.
  • Records were reviewed, categorised, and archived, improving future access and preserving public records.
• Office Space Management: Efficient use of office space has led to the clearance of over 400,000 office spaces and generated Rs. 1162.49 crores from scrap disposal.
  • The campaign freed 3.55 million square feet of office space through improved resource utilisation and scrap management.
• Public Engagement and Inclusivity: Enhanced public interfaces, such as redesigned Ayushman Sewak Kendras and operationalized Pensioners Lounges, have made government offices more accessible and citizen-friendly.

Government Policies and Leadership

• The campaign operates under the principles of “Reform, Perform, Transform, and Inform,” with guidance from the Prime Minister and key ministers.
• The CPGRAMS portal mapped 101,675 Grievance Redressal Officers, showcasing the government’s commitment to transparency and efficient grievance redressal.

Training and Capacity Building

• Officials have undergone training in record management and office space optimization, ensuring long-term benefits for government institutions and improving citizen-centric governance.

Conclusion

• By enhancing efficiency and public engagement, the campaign plays a crucial role in shaping India’s governance, contributing to the larger goal of achieving a developed nation by 2047.

3. Swachh Bharat Mission Successfully Transform India’s Sanitation Landscape

Introduction

• Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) aimed to improve sanitation across India, with a focus on achieving open defecation-free (ODF) status.
• The mission’s impact spans both rural (SBM-Grameen) and urban (SBM-Urban) areas, enhancing public health and sanitation infrastructure.

Key Achievements of SBM

• SBM-Grameen Phase I (2014-2019): Focused on constructing over 100 million rural toilets, significantly improving hygiene.
• SBM-Grameen Phase II (2019-2025): Aims for sustained ODF status with an emphasis on managing solid and liquid waste, leading to Sampoorn Swachhata (complete cleanliness).

Health and Economic Impact

• Reduced infant mortality rates and under-five mortality rates have been linked to improved toilet access, saving 60,000-70,000 infant lives annually.
• Families in ODF villages saved an average of INR 50,000 annually on healthcare.

Sanitation Infrastructure Development

• SBM-Grameen saw the construction of 11.64 crore household toilets, 2.41 lakh community complexes, and waste management systems in over 6.87 lakh villages.

Conclusion

• The SBM is a global model for sanitation reform, improving public health, safety, and cleanliness.
• Ongoing efforts like ODF Plus and the Swachh Bharat Hi Seva (SHS) campaign are vital in ensuring sustained sanitation and behaviour change across India.

4. Ganga Rejuvenation And Water Conservation

Introduction

• The Ganga River, a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is an integral lifeline for millions of people.
• Despite its revered status, the river has suffered from pollution due to rapid industrialization, urbanisation, and inadequate waste management.
• Efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga have been ongoing for decades, but the Namami Gange program, launched in 2014, marks a renewed focus on long-term restoration.

Environmental Degradation of the Ganga

• The river has been polluted by industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and solid waste, threatening both human health and aquatic biodiversity.
• Over 40% of India’s population relies on the Ganga basin for water, exacerbating issues like groundwater depletion and water resource over-extraction.
• Excessive groundwater extraction has reduced the Ganga’s base flow by 50% since the 1970s, and may further decrease by up to 75% by 2060.

Government-Led Initiatives for Rejuvenation

• Ganga Action Plan (GAP): Initiated in 1986, GAP aimed to curb pollution but achieved limited success.
• Namami Gange Program: Launched in 2014, this initiative focuses on pollution abatement, sewage treatment, biodiversity conservation, and riverfront development.
  • 200 sewage treatment projects have been approved, with 116 implemented, including 815 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) constructed between 2015 and 2021.
  • Varanasi, a key religious hub, saw the construction of seven STPs, four of which were built under the Namami Gange program.

Biodiversity and Rural Sanitation Efforts

• Biodiversity Conservation: Collaborative efforts by the Wildlife Institute of India, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, and Uttar Pradesh State Forest Department focus on restoring aquatic species in the Ganga.
• Rural Sanitation: The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has implemented programs in 1,674 Gram Panchayats to improve sanitation facilities and reduce pollution.

Key Challenges to Ganga Restoration

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many areas still lack sufficient sewage treatment plants and waste management systems.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall further strain the river, contributing to pollution and water scarcity.
• Public Awareness and Participation: Ensuring local communities understand the importance of protecting the Ganga is essential for sustainable efforts.

Achievements and Future Directions

• The Namami Gange program has made significant progress in addressing pollution, completing 652 projects under Phase 2.
• Challenges like insufficient sewage treatment facilities and weak governance persist, but the focus remains on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and promoting public awareness.
• Collaboration between government bodies, local communities, and civil society is crucial for sustaining the program’s impact in the long term.

Conclusion

• While government programs like Namami Gange have made significant strides, there is much more to be done to secure the river’s future.
• A holistic approach, combining infrastructure development, biodiversity conservation, and public engagement, will be key to restoring the Ganga.

5. Construction And Demolition: Circular Economy Solutions

Introduction

• India’s construction sector is vital for economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, infrastructure development, and employment.
• However, the sector generates substantial construction and demolition (C&D) waste, posing environmental challenges.
• Adopting a circular economy approach can transform waste management in the construction industry, promoting sustainability and resource conservation.

Understanding the Circular Economy

• A circular economy seeks to minimize waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use as long as possible.
• Key principles include reducing resource consumption, maximizing reuse and recycling, and ensuring environmentally safe waste disposal.

The C&D Waste Challenge

• C&D waste constitutes a major portion of India’s solid waste, often ending up in landfills, causing environmental degradation and health risks.
• Approximately 95% of C&D waste can be reused or recycled with proper processing, but inadequate infrastructure leads to most waste being mismanaged.

Government Initiatives Supporting Circular Economy

• Swachh Bharat Mission: Aims to create a cleaner India through sustainable waste management practices.
• Smart Cities Mission: Focuses on developing urban infrastructure and promoting sustainable waste management solutions.
• 500 AMRUT Cities Scheme: Aims to revitalise urban areas by improving infrastructure and services.
• C&D Waste Management Rules 2006: Introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to encourage a circular approach in construction.

Strategies for Effective C&D Waste Management

• Material Reuse: Extending the lifespan of construction materials reduces the demand for new resources.
• Recycling Practices: Transforming C&D waste into secondary materials for future construction projects conserves resources.
• Efficient Construction Techniques: Employing sustainable practices minimises waste generation during building projects.
• Design for Deconstruction (DfD): Incorporating DfD principles allows for easier dismantling and reuse of materials, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Implementing circular economy practices in C&D waste management can yield annual benefits of ₹4.9 lakh crore (US$25 billion).
• Potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and energy consumption by 37% are achievable through circularity.
• Promotes job creation in waste processing and recycling sectors while conserving natural resources.

Conclusion

• Embracing circular economy principles in the construction sector can significantly mitigate environmental impacts and enhance economic opportunities.
• By prioritising circularity, India can build resilient cities, promote sustainable development, and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

6. Smart Grids and Renewable Energy: Powering Rural Sanitation

Introduction

• Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for health and well-being in rural India.
• The integration of Smart Grids and Renewable Energy can significantly enhance rural sanitation efforts by providing reliable power for essential services.

Importance of Renewable Energy in Rural Sanitation

• Renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, play a critical role in ensuring regular water supply and waste management in rural areas.
• Solar PV systems can help reduce electricity costs for Gram Panchayats, enabling better sanitation infrastructure.

Government Initiatives and Schemes

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Launched in 2014, the SBM achieved 100% open defecation-free status by 2019. The second phase focuses on waste management and sustainable sanitation practices.
• PM-Surya Ghar Yojana: Aims to empower rural households with affordable solar energy, contributing to energy access and rural development.
• PM-Kisan Urja Suraksha Yojana (KUSY): Provides financial assistance for installing solar pumps, promoting irrigation in rural agriculture.
• PM-Awas Yojana (PMAY): Includes provisions for solar rooftop installations in beneficiary households, enhancing energy efficiency.
• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, which can be utilised for investing in solar energy solutions.

Role of Smart Grids

• Smart Grids enhance power reliability and efficiency through automation and communication capabilities, benefiting rural areas.
• The integration of Smart Grids with renewable energy sources facilitates efficient energy distribution, crucial for sanitation initiatives such as water pumping and mechanical cleaning of public spaces.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Rural areas face challenges like climate change and water scarcity; however, the potential of surplus biomass and waste as renewable energy sources presents significant opportunities.
• India aims for 50% cumulative electric power from non-fossil sources by 2070, leveraging locally available biomass and waste for electricity generation.
• Microgrids with smaller capacity solar PV systems can meet the dispersed electricity demands in rural communities, reducing reliance on capital-intensive distribution networks.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development

• Collaborations between government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, such as UNICEF and the World Bank, are essential for promoting renewable energy and sanitation initiatives.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is responsible for promoting renewable energy, while the Ministry of Power focuses on developing the power sector.

Conclusion

• These efforts not only enhance health and well-being but also align with India’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, paving the way for a sustainable future.

7. India’s Biofuel Revolution: Efficient, Sustainable and Clean

Introduction

• The increasing environmental concerns and energy demands necessitate a shift towards sustainable alternatives like biofuels.
• The conversion of used cooking oil (UCO) into biodiesel showcases innovative approaches to waste management and renewable energy production in India.

Benefits of Biofuels

• Environmental Advantages:
  • Biofuels generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation.
  • Utilising biofuels reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing national energy security.
• Economic Impact:
  • Domestic biofuel production stimulates rural economies and creates job opportunities, fostering local development.

Government Policies and Initiatives

• PM Jivan Yojana: Aims for 5% ethanol blending in petrol by 2022, promoting renewable fuel usage.
• National Biofuel Policy 2018: Targets 3% biodiesel blending in diesel by 2030, encouraging the adoption of biofuels in the energy mix.
• Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO): An initiative by FSSAI to promote Used Cooking Oil (UCO) recycling into biodiesel.

Innovative Solutions by CSIR

• UCO Collection Networks:
  • CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) collaborates with local authorities and food outlets to efficiently collect UCO from various sources.
• Transesterification Process:
  • The institute utilises a cost-effective process to convert Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into biodiesel, optimising for the unique characteristics of used oils.
• Production Capacity:
  • CSIR-IIP is capable of producing 275,000 tonnes of biodiesel annually, contributing significantly to renewable energy goals.

Waste Management Innovations

• Portable Biogas Plants:
  • Developed by the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), these plants convert food waste into energy and manure, enhancing clean energy and waste management.
• Eco-friendly Toilets:
  • The CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has designed low-cost toilets from locally available materials, improving sanitation in rural areas.
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology:
  • Monitoring pathogens in wastewater helps identify public health threats and environmental pollution, enabling proactive health interventions.

Plastic Recycling Advances

• Novel Technologies:
  • The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) has developed innovative methods for recycling plastics, including chemical recycling and pyrolysis, transforming plastic waste into usable fuel and chemicals.

Conclusion

• The initiatives by CSIR and government policies highlight the potential of biofuels and innovative waste management solutions in addressing environmental and energy challenges in India.

8. Gandhiji’s Philosophy on Swachhata Through Self Practice

Introduction

• Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy on cleanliness and sanitation underscores the vital link between individual responsibility and community health.
• His belief in personal hygiene and societal transformation laid the foundation for India’s ongoing sanitation initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Key Principles of Cleanliness

• Personal Accountability:
  • Gandhi emphasised that individuals should take responsibility for their own cleanliness and that of their surroundings.
  • He famously stated, “Everyone must be his own scavenger,” highlighting the need for self-reliance in maintaining hygiene.
• Importance of Public Sanitation:
  • Gandhi advocated for clean public spaces, including lavatories, as essential for community health.
  • He believed that a hygienic environment contributes to the overall well-being of society.

Efforts Toward Social Equality

• Abolition of Untouchability:
  • Gandhi worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability, promoting equality across all social strata.
  • He rejected the social stigma associated with dalits and insisted on treating all individuals with respect.
• Community Engagement:
  • Gandhi actively participated in cleaning efforts, encouraging people to engage in sanitation initiatives in their homes and villages.
  • His associate, Vinoba Bhave, also played a vital role in promoting sanitation and equality, demonstrating reverence for all tasks, including cleaning.

Vision for Rural Sanitation

• Constructive Programs:
  • In his book “Constructive Programme,” Gandhi outlined initiatives aimed at social reconstruction, emphasising the importance of sanitation.
  • He advocated for proper waste disposal and hygiene practices to prevent disease spread in rural areas.
• Swachhta Movement:
  • Inspired by Gandhi’s vision, the Swachhta Movement mobilises citizens for collective cleanliness efforts.
  • The Swachhta Pledge encourages individuals to commit time to cleanliness activities, fostering a nationwide culture of hygiene.

Conclusion

• Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness and social equality continues to inspire sanitation initiatives across India.