The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) initiative has proven highly effective according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report reveals that the mission can prevent more than 300,000 deaths caused by diarrhoea and protein-energy malnutrition between 2014 and 2019. This evaluation of potential health impacts from increased sanitation coverage was conducted by the WHO for India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Key Findings on Sanitation Progress
India’s rural sanitation facilities have shown substantial improvement, as shown in the WHO’s report. By August 2, 2018, rural sanitation coverage had reached 89.07% across the country. Moreover, the SBM-G initiative plans to achieve 100% sanitation coverage in rural areas by 2019.
Under the SBM-G’s operations, 19 states and Union Territories were assessed and declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Additional achievements include the construction of 7.9 crore toilets, and the declaration of 421 districts as ODF. Notably, approximately 5 lakh villages nationwide have also been declared ODF.
Prior to the implementation of the SBM-G, unsanitary conditions led to an astonishing 199 million cases of diarrhoea annually. However, projections show that around 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) can be avoided between 2014 and 2019 with improved sanitation facilities.
The WHO’s assessment of health impacts is grounded in comparative risk assessment (CRA) methods. The study discovered significant evidence of enhancements in drinking water supply, sanitation services, and personal hygiene practices — all of which contribute to positive health impacts.
About Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a countrywide campaign launched by the Indian government on October 2, 2014. Its primary aim is to maintain cleanliness in streets and roads while also improving the country’s social infrastructure. The government aims to attain the mission’s goal by October 2, 2019.
Mission Objectives
Several key objectives underpin the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. These include the eradication of open defecation and manual scavenging, along with fostering a behavioral change towards healthier sanitation practices.
The mission also intends to create public awareness about the relationship between sanitation and health, and enhance the capacity of Urban Local Bodies. It also seeks to establish conditions that encourage private sector involvement in capital expenditure (Capex) and operation and maintenance (Opex).
Mission Components
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan encompasses several components in its quest for improved sanitation and cleanliness. These components range from constructing household toilets and converting insanitary latrines into pour-flush latrines, to building community toilets and public toilets.
The mission also emphasises on the effective management of solid waste, and the creation of meaningful public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of sanitation. In addition to these, capacity building and administrative & office expenses (A&OE) form an essential part of the mission’s components.
