Revolutionising rural sanitation: India's Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen

The key to the success of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Grameen Phase I was an effective communication strategy that included mass awareness campaigns, behaviour change communication, and the formation of local committees to accelerate adoption of healthy hygiene practices, ensuring clean and healthy villages. The messaging from the PM, coupled with support from state and district administrations and endorsements from celebrities, significantly boosted the mission's reach and impact. Studies by UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), and other organisations have highlighted the positive impact of SBM. Improvements in women's safety, convenience, and dignity underscore the mission's success.

SBM Grameen Phase II extended beyond toilet construction, focusing on transforming villages into clean, healthy spaces. This phase emphasised the importance of maintaining toilets, managing waste, and responsibly disposing of greywater. The changed attitudes and behaviours of rural communities, adopting new sanitation practices and collaborating with various stakeholders for waste management, marked a significant cultural shift.

Complementing the sanitation efforts, the Jal Jeevan Mission played a crucial role in ensuring sustained toilet usage by providing water supply to all households. The formation of village water sanitation committees institutionalised community participation, managing sanitation services and assets effectively. These committees, including self-help groups, have been instrumental in operationalising and maintaining sanitation facilities.

The SBM Grameen Phase II campaigns, like the Sujalam Campaign, focused on specific aspects of sanitation, such as greywater management. These initiatives led to the construction of 5.1 million soak pits, showcasing the commitment to comprehensive sanitation solutions.

The participation of rural communities was a driving force behind the success of SBM Grameen Phase II. Recognising them as key stakeholders, the mission employed community-driven approaches, empowering individuals to take ownership of their sanitation facilities. The involvement of government agencies, PSUs, and rural WASH partners was crucial in realising the mission's goals.

The achievement of over five lakh ODF Plus villages has led to improved quality of life, reduced disease risks, and enhanced dignity and well-being in rural communities. This milestone in India's sanitation journey is more than a statistic; it represents a deep-rooted change impacting millions. It's a testament to the collective determination and resilience of rural communities in achieving a ‘Sampoorna Swachh Bharat’ or a Completely Clean India. The mission's meticulous planning and concerted efforts have been pivotal in realising the PM’s vision of a ‘Swachh Bharat’.

As SBM Grameen moves forward, the focus on community ownership and management of sanitation infrastructure remains key to sustaining these practices. The mission's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to India's economic growth is significant, highlighting its comprehensive and transformative impact. By addressing water body pollution and improving water security, SBM Grameen is not only making India's villages cleaner and healthier but also positioning them as potential economic centres, contributing to the broader goal of India becoming a $ 5 trillion economy.

This article is authored by Arumugam Kalimuthu, executive director, WASH Institute, and member, NFSSM Alliance, New Delhi.