Why Cleanliness Matters: Benefits of the Swachh Bharat Mission
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 2 October 2014. It was launched to promote cleanliness in society. Till now, it has successfully covered 4041 cities across India. It is one of the important campaigns launched by the Government of India. The ultimate objective is to maintain a healthy and clean environment. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is also known as Clean India Mission or Clean India Drive. It is a national campaign where states are also a part of the mission.
The Concept Behind Such Programs
Cleanliness is our right, and it is also essential whether it is our home, public areas or workplaces. It is one of the basic needs to stay civilised. Therefore, the mission aims to eradicate open defecation throughout the country. Lots of significant efforts have been made since the commencement on October 2, 2014.
As per the statistics, the Government of India has built more than 10 crores of toilets across the country. The motive is to promote proper sanitation and stay healthy. Till now, 36 Indian states have been made defecation free, and the mission is truly on the way to success. It has improved the quality of living among people from many states.
Our government is leaving no stones unturned only to make sure that India becomes cleaner and more hygienic. The scheme has also made people more responsible for sanitation practices. Therefore, we must do our bit to help with the noble mission.
Impacts on Rural Areas
As the campaign was launched to make our country healthier and cleaner, the majority of the missions have had a great impact on the rural areas. In most villages, sanitation programs used to be a far-reaching concept due to the absence of proper toilets. To this day, with the government initiative, things have changed to a better picture both on the rural and urban scale.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has helped small towns in the maintenance drives when it comes to streets and other places. It is not just about our houses, but also to maintain and following the practices when it comes to public places like parks and other areas of tourist attractions. Maintenance of cleanliness not only helps in the improvement of the standard living condition but also provides a positive image when foreigners visit our country.
A Clear Determination of the Objectives
The primary objective of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is to spread awareness of cleanliness and let people understand its importance. The motto is to provide basic sanitation facilities, liquid and solid waste disposal systems, safe and adequate drinking water and supply to overall village cleanliness. The action plan has been laid by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. A lot of unhygienic approaches have been controlled after 2019. It also has the plan of implementing a complete Open Defecation Free India.
Highlights of Action Plans :
Improvement in the growth percentage of toilets from 3% to 10%.
Increasing the construction of toilets from 14000 to 48000 per day.
Launching a State Level or National Level media campaign through mobile devices, audio-visual, telephone and local programmes.
Involving school children in the activities for spreading the awareness of sanitation, water and hygiene.
The campaign also aims to conduct open sessions and discussions on hygiene and menstrual health, along with the establishment of eco-wash clubs. It does not focus on the problems of pollution, rather points out the side effects of the same and make people more cautious to prevent future difficulties.
FAQs on Clean India Essay: How Swachh Bharat is Transforming India
1. What is the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Clean India Mission?
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a massive nationwide cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014, to coincide with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The primary purpose of this mission is to achieve a 'Clean India' by improving sanitation, eliminating open defecation, and establishing effective solid waste management systems across the country.
2. What are the main objectives of the Clean India Mission?
The key objectives of the Clean India Mission are multifaceted and aim for a holistic improvement in hygiene. The primary goals include:
- Eradicating the practice of open defecation by constructing household and community toilets.
- Promoting a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices.
- Establishing modern and scientific solid waste management systems in all towns and villages.
- Creating awareness about the importance of cleanliness and its link to public health.
- Eliminating the practice of manual scavenging.
3. Why is a nationwide cleanliness campaign important for India?
A nationwide cleanliness campaign is crucial for India's development for several reasons. It directly impacts public health by reducing the spread of diseases, which in turn lowers healthcare costs. A cleaner country boosts tourism and improves India's global image, contributing positively to the economy. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of civic duty and responsibility among citizens, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
4. How does the Swachh Bharat Mission operate differently in urban and rural areas?
The mission is implemented through two sub-missions: Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin/Rural), each with a different focus. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) concentrates on providing sanitation facilities like public and community toilets and managing solid waste in towns and cities. In contrast, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) primarily focuses on stopping open defecation and ensuring every rural household has access to a toilet, along with promoting hygiene education in villages.
5. What are some simple yet effective ways students can contribute to a cleaner India?
Students can play a vital role in the Clean India Mission through simple, everyday actions. Some effective ways to contribute include:
- Always using dustbins and never littering in public spaces.
- Practising waste segregation at home by separating wet and dry garbage.
- Reducing the use of single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives like cloth bags and water bottles.
- Participating in or organising school-level and community clean-up drives.
- Educating family and friends about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
6. Beyond building toilets, what are the long-term benefits of the Clean India Mission?
While toilet construction is a visible outcome, the long-term benefits are much broader. A successful mission leads to a healthier population with reduced mortality rates and higher productivity. It promotes environmental sustainability by improving waste management and reducing pollution. Economically, it can lead to job creation in the sanitation sector and a significant boost in tourism. Most importantly, it aims to create a lasting behavioural change, making cleanliness a fundamental part of the national consciousness.
7. What are the biggest challenges in making the Clean India Mission a complete success?
Achieving a completely clean India faces several significant challenges. The foremost is changing deeply ingrained societal habits and attitudes towards littering and sanitation. Another major hurdle is the scientific management of the enormous amount of municipal solid waste generated daily. Ensuring the regular maintenance and usability of newly constructed toilets, especially in rural areas, and securing consistent public participation across all demographics are also critical challenges for the mission's long-term success.
8. How does the concept of 'Swachhata' (cleanliness) connect to Mahatma Gandhi's vision for India?
The Clean India Mission is deeply rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. Gandhi famously stated, "Sanitation is more important than Independence." He viewed cleanliness not just as a physical act but as a moral and spiritual discipline essential for the nation's character and self-respect (Swaraj). The mission's launch on his birth anniversary is a tribute to his vision of an India that is not only politically free but also free from filth and poor hygiene.
