Page 5 - Swachhata Chronicles – Transformative Tales from India (eBook)

MESSAGE

Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) has successfully reached
every corner of our vast country, becoming a people’s movement that
has not only transformed behaviours but also become a household
name. This flagship programme, promoted by the Prime Minister of
India, has had a significant impact on the nation.

The progress achieved so far has been possible due to the collective support of the State
and District machinery, panchayat leaders, development partners, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and communities. They have made tremendous efforts to contribute
to the health and well-being of their communities, embodying the spirit of a Swachh and
Swasth Bharat.

SBM-G has set India on the path to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development
Goal (SDG) 6.2, which aims to provide access to adequate and equitable sanitation and
hygiene for all and become Open Defecation Free (ODF). The programme particularly focuses
on the needs of marginalized individuals, women, girls and those in vulnerable situations,
with a target to accomplish these goals by 2030. Studies indicate that increased toilet usage
due to SBM-G has led to significant economic, environmental and health impacts that also
contribute to women’s empowerment.

To further accelerate the momentum, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(DDWS) has organized various iconic campaigns that have made a considerable impact.
Notable among them were the Sujlam 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 campaigns, which aimed to establish
systems for managing greywater generated in households, establishments, institutions
and community areas. A total of 5.1 million soak pits were constructed during these three
campaigns.

During the Retrofit to Twin Pit Abhiyan held from 19 November 2022 to 30 June 2023,
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the focus was on promoting simple ‘on-site’ technologies by retrofitting existing single-pit
toilets into twin-pit toilets and connecting septic tank toilets to air vents and soak pits. More
than 11 lakh toilets were successfully retrofitted during this campaign.

With less than two years remaining to achieve the campaign’s objectives, there is a strong
emphasis on last-mile delivery. The DDWS has received the support of development partners
and the corporate sector, who are playing a vital role in carrying out SBM-G activities.
Their contributions, ranging from providing technical support and upskilling to awareness
generation and construction of ODF Plus assets, are crucial to the success of the Mission.

Investing in hygiene and sanitation is not just an investment in health, but also in human
dignity, economic progress and the overall development of our villages. I trust we will all
continue to work together for this noble cause.

Smt. Vini Mahajan
Secretary, DDWS