SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies/Schemes)

Context: India's first septic tank cleaning robot, offering an end-to-end solution to eliminate manual scavenging, is strengthening the Swachhata Abhiyan in different corners of the country.

Swachh Bharat Mission

• About: BM commenced in 2014 as a nationwide initiative by the Government of India, succeeding the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan of 2009.
• Objective: Its primary goal is to eradicate open defecation and enhance solid waste management practices across the country.
• Phases of Implementation: Phase 1 of SBM operated until October 2019, with a focus on constructing toilets and achieving an "open-defecation free" (ODF) India by Gandhi Jayanti, 2019.
• Objectives: Instigating awareness and behavioral shifts regarding sanitation practices.

oStrengthening local-level capacities for effective implementation.

• Phase 2: Spanning 2020–21 to 2024–25, concentrates on sustaining ODF status and improving waste management.
• Focus of Phase 2: Sustaining ODF status, Enhancing solid and liquid waste management, and Improving the welfare of sanitation workers.
• Government Subsidies and Financing: The Government provides financial subsidies for toilet construction, waste management infrastructure, and behavior change campaigns.

oBoth the central and state governments contribute to financing the SBM.

• Mission Structure:

oRural sanitation (SBM-Gramin) falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

oUrban sanitation (SBM-Urban) is overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

India's first Septic Tank

• About: India has introduced its first septic tank/manhole cleaning robot, which promises to revolutionize sanitation practices in the country.
• Innovative Solution: The robot offers an innovative end-to-end solution to eliminate manual scavenging.
• Importance of Swachh Bharat Campaign: This initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Campaign, aiming to enhance sanitation and hygiene across India.
• Mechanism: The robot utilizes advanced technology to clean septic tanks and manholes efficiently and safely.