Understanding the Swachh Bharat Mission: Goals and Challenges

Understanding the Swachh Bharat Mission

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a comprehensive cleanliness initiative launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014. Its primary goal is to eliminate open defecation and enhance sanitation practices across both rural and urban regions. The mission emphasizes the construction of toilets, promotes hygiene awareness, and encourages behavioral changes to foster a cleaner environment.

Key Provisions of the Swachh Bharat Mission

The major provisions of SBM include:

• Construction of over 11 crore household toilets in rural areas.
• Establishment of over 63 lakh individual and community toilets in urban areas.
• Promotion of hygiene education and campaigns aimed at changing sanitation behaviors.
• Declaration of various villages and districts as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
• Investment in solid and liquid waste management infrastructure.

Main Aims of the Swachh Bharat Mission

The key aims of SBM are:

• To achieve a 100% Open Defecation Free India by ensuring access to proper toilet facilities.
• To promote sanitation and hygiene practices that prevent the spread of diseases.
• To enhance the quality of life in rural areas by providing cleaner living environments and reducing health risks.
• To encourage sustainable waste management practices.

Impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on Infant Mortality

A study published in the journal Nature highlights SBM's significant positive impact on public health. It is estimated that the initiative has prevented approximately 60,000 to 70,000 infant deaths annually from 2014 to 2020. Improved access to toilets and enhanced sanitation services have led to a reduction in preventable diseases and infant mortality, particularly in rural areas. This success is largely due to better hygiene practices and reduced exposure to unsafe conditions.

Challenges Faced by the Swachh Bharat Mission

Despite its achievements, SBM encounters several challenges:

• Sustainability of Infrastructure: Ensuring that newly built toilets are used and maintained over the long term.
• Behavioural Change: Although toilet access has improved, altering deep-rooted cultural habits and ensuring consistent use of sanitation facilities remains difficult.
• Waste Management: While sanitation infrastructure has been enhanced, effective waste disposal, especially in rural areas, requires further investment and attention.
• Health Impact: It is crucial to integrate SBM with broader public health initiatives to tackle issues like malnutrition alongside sanitation improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission?
Answer: The primary goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission is to eliminate open defecation and provide access to proper sanitation facilities for all citizens in India.

Q2. How has SBM impacted infant mortality rates?
Answer: SBM has significantly reduced infant mortality rates by preventing approximately 60,000 to 70,000 deaths annually due to improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

Q3. What are some key provisions of SBM?
Answer: Key provisions include the construction of household toilets, hygiene education, and the declaration of areas as Open Defecation Free (ODF).

Q4. What challenges does the Swachh Bharat Mission face?
Answer: Challenges include ensuring sustainability of toilets, changing behaviors, managing waste, and integrating with broader public health initiatives.

Q5. What is the significance of the ODF declaration?
Answer: Declaring an area ODF signifies that it has achieved the goal of eliminating open defecation, contributing to improved public health and sanitation.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What year was the Swachh Bharat Mission launched?
A) 2012
B) 2014
C) 2016
D) 2018
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which of the following is a key objective of SBM?
A) Promote urbanization
B) Eliminate open defecation
C) Increase population density
D) Enhance tourism
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How many household toilets are planned to be built under SBM?
A) 5 crores
B) 11 crores
C) 15 crores
D) 20 crores
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the significance of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status?
A) Indicates economic growth
B) Represents improved sanitation
C) Shows increased literacy
D) Denotes urban development
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which health issue has SBM significantly impacted?
A) Heart disease
B) Diabetes
C) Infant mortality
D) Respiratory illness
Correct Answer: C