The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has published a report which demonstrates significant benefits for Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages in terms of health and sanitation. The study showed that groundwater and food contamination were substantially reduced in ODF villages compared to those that weren’t classed as such. Importantly, these findings highlight the impact of behavioural changes driven by the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), indicating an urgent need for continued efforts in order to sustain the results.
Key Findings from UNICEF Report
The report, titled “Environmental impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission(Grameen) on Water, Soil, and Food”, examined groundwater samples from ODF and non-ODF villages across Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal. It was found that groundwater in ODF villages was 12.7 times less likely to be contaminated compared to non-ODF villages. Similarly, soil contamination was 1.13 times less likely in ODF villages. Food contamination also saw a decrease, with non-ODF villages being 1.48 times more likely to see their food contaminated.
Furthermore, the risk of household drinking water contamination was almost three times higher in non-ODF villages. Importantly, the report indicated that this significant reduction could be attributed to improvements in sanitation and hygiene practices, regular monitoring, and change in behaviour messaging.
The Significance of Swachh Bharat Mission
India’s Swachh Bharat Mission, initiated in 2014, aimed at improving rural sanitation coverage which, at the time, was at a staggeringly low 38.70%. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 projected that achieving 100% ODF status would save 300,000 lives annually.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), open defecation (OD) perpetuates an unhealthy cycle of disease and poverty. Thus, the SBM’s initiative to remove OD is significant in driving health, social, and economic improvements.
This mass movement of cleanliness has received support from a variety of societal sections, including government officials, industrialists, artists, and sportspersons.
| Year | Rural Sanitation Coverage |
|---|---|
| 2014 (Before SBM) | 38.70% |
| 2018 (During SBM) | Est. > 90% |
Sustaining Open Defecation Free Status
Achieving ODF status is only the first step; maintaining this status requires continuous efforts, such as regular spot-checking and monitoring for at least one year post-achievement. To ensure this, trained workforces that can trigger communities and motivated volunteers are essential. There is also a need for accurate reporting of government-set targets to avoid over or underreporting.
Mr Surendra Singh highlighted the importance of fact verification on the ground. He also pointed out the challenges presented by open water pools in rural and semi-urban areas, used by people and livestock, which contribute to the poor quality of water and spread of diseases.
Manual scavenging, despite its ban, continues in parts of the country, posing another issue to the SBM’s mission. Unofficial figures suggest a presence of 1.3 million manual scavengers – significantly higher than official estimates. Technological intervention can greatly aid in addressing this issue, improving conditions for sewer workers and reducing the associated risks and hazards.
