Page 7 - Swachhata Chronicles – Transformative Tales from India (eBook)

MESSAGE

Since 2014, the Government of India has been actively addressing
sanitation challenges through the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen
(SBM-G). From ending open defecation by providing access to
sanitation to all households and institutions, and enabling village
communities to put in place systems for the effective management
of solid and liquid waste, efforts have been consistent to promote rural cleanliness and strive
towards Sampoorna Swachhata.

There has been remarkable progress in SBM-G in the last one year. On its part, the
Government of India, supported by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS)
has created an enabling environment by making funds available from SBM-G, the 15 Finance
th
Commission, and under MGNREGA.

An initiative that has gained prominence in recent months is the GOBARdhan Scheme
which supports villages in the safe management of cattle, agricultural and organic waste,
by converting it into clean fuel and organic manure to improve environmental sanitation and
reduce vector-borne diseases. With adequate financial allocation, the initiative demonstrates
the Government’s commitment to waste-to-wealth models and clean energy.

Above all, SBM-G has shown that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are achievable
while making a perceptible difference in the level of cleanliness in rural India. The impact of
the world’s largest sanitation campaign is assessed from time to time. The ongoing Swachh
Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2023 is a survey that ranks states and districts based on their
performance in key quantitative and qualitative SBM-G parameters. While promoting active
participation in ODF Plus activities, it facilitates peer verification, fosters healthy competition
among GPs, and recognizes outstanding performers at all levels.

With barely two years left for the campaign to meet its objectives, it is crucial to have effective
partnerships between stakeholders at all levels – Government Ministries, private sector,
development partners, NGOs, etc., given that SBM-G has always been a people’s movement.

The Rural WASH Partners’ Forum (RWPF) brings together stakeholders from across the WASH
sector to support villages and districts in implementing ODF Plus activities and setting up
ODF Plus assets. Their involvement is expected to accelerate activities and bring about
sustainable change in matters related to hygiene and sanitation in the country, and finish
the last mile of the country’s journey towards a clean and healthy India.

Shri Jitendra Srivastava
JS&MD SBM-G, DDWS