Nationwide Sanitation Campaign Launched in India

In November 2024, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation initiated the Hamara Shauchalay – Hamara Samman campaign. This campaign coincides with World Toilet Day and aims to conclude on Human Rights Day. It marks the crucial relationship between sanitation, human rights, and community dignity. Following India’s achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 2019, the campaign seeks to promote continued toilet usage and maintenance.

Campaign Objectives

The primary goal of the campaign is to sustain ODF achievements and promote a cleaner environment. It aims to empower communities and ensure the involvement of various stakeholders in maintaining sanitation practices. The campaign also focuses on vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, underlining that toilets are essential for dignity and public health.

Key Activities

The campaign features a range of activities designed to reinforce sanitation practices. Competitions will reward well-maintained household toilets and community sanitary complexes. These competitions will encourage others to improve their sanitation facilities. Community outreach initiatives like Ratri Chaupals and WASH clubs will encourage collective engagement and inspire change.

Celebrating Sanitation Workers

Sanitation workers play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness. The campaign includes dignity camps to honour these workers and ensure their inclusion in welfare programs. Their contributions will be recognised, promoting respect for their essential work in the community.

Social Media Engagement

Citizens are encouraged to share their sanitation success stories on social media. Using hashtags like ToiletsForDignity and MyToiletMyPride, individuals can promote awareness and inspire others. This engagement aims to build a community of advocates for sanitation improvements.

Government Participation

The campaign encourages participation from all levels of governance. Chief Ministers and State Ministers will lead state-level events, while District Magistrates will oversee district-level programs. This multi-tiered approach ensures widespread involvement and accountability.

Ongoing Commitment to Sanitation

The campaign reinforces that sanitation is a continuous journey. It is not merely about achieving milestones but ensuring long-term sustainability. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation calls on citizens to collaborate in building sustainable sanitation solutions. The aim is to carry forward the legacy of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of sanitation on public health and human rights in India.
2. Estimate the role of community engagement in sustaining sanitation practices within rural areas.
3. Point out the significance of the Swachh Bharat Mission in transforming sanitation infrastructure in India.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in achieving Open Defecation Free status in urban settings.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of sanitation on public health and human rights in India.

1. Sanitation directly affects public health by preventing waterborne diseases and reducing healthcare costs.
2. Access to clean toilets ensures dignity and privacy, particularly for women and girls, enhancing their safety and social standing.
3. Improved sanitation facilities contribute to better nutrition and mental health, encouraging overall community well-being.
4. Sanitation is a human right; inadequate facilities violate rights to health, privacy, and a clean environment.
5. Community awareness and education on sanitation practices can lead to healthier behaviors and improved public health outcomes.

2. Estimate the role of community engagement in sustaining sanitation practices within rural areas.

1. Community engagement encourages ownership of sanitation facilities, encouraging local maintenance and accountability.
2. Involving local leaders and groups in sanitation initiatives enhances trust and participation among residents.
3. Outreach programs, like WASH clubs, educate communities on hygiene practices, leading to behavioral changes.
4. Recognition of well-maintained toilets through competitions motivates communities to uphold sanitation standards.
5. Grassroots involvement ensures that sanitation solutions are culturally relevant and address specific community needs.

3. Point out the significance of the Swachh Bharat Mission in transforming sanitation infrastructure in India.

1. The Swachh Bharat Mission has led to the construction of millions of toilets, reducing open defecation.
2. It has raised awareness about hygiene and sanitation, promoting behavioral changes across diverse communities.
3. The mission emphasizes sustainable sanitation practices, ensuring ongoing maintenance and community involvement.
4. It has mobilized resources and government support for sanitation infrastructure, improving public health outcomes.
5. The mission’s success has inspired similar initiatives globally, positioning India as a leader in sanitation reform.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in achieving Open Defecation Free status in urban settings.

1. Urban overcrowding often leads to inadequate sanitation infrastructure, making it difficult to maintain ODF status.
2. Informal settlements may lack access to basic sanitation facilities, hindering efforts to eliminate open defecation.
3. Behavioral resistance and cultural norms can impede the adoption of new sanitation practices in urban populations.
4. Limited government resources and coordination can slow down the implementation of sanitation projects in cities.
5. Pollution and environmental degradation in urban areas complicate the management of sanitation systems.