he Swachhta Abhiyaan, or Cleanliness Campaign, is a monumental initiative launched by the
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Government of India on October 2, 2014, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.1 Gandhi ji,
a staunch advocate for sanitation and hygiene, famously said, "Sanitation is more important
than independence."2 This philosophy forms the bedrockof the Swachhta Abhiyaan, which
aims to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and put the focus on
cleanliness across the nation.3
t its core, the Abhiyaan is far more than just a government program; it's a Jan Andolan, a
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people's movement.4 Its primary objective was to achievean "Open Defecation Free" (ODF)
India by October 2, 2019, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.5
This was a challenging yet critical target, as open defecation poses significant health risks,
contaminates water sources, and impacts the dignity of individuals, particularly women and
girls. To achieve this, the mission focused on the construction of millions of individual
household latrines (IHHLs), community toilets, and public toilets, coupled with extensive
behavioral change communication.6
eyond toilet construction, the Swachhta Abhiyaan encompasses a broader vision of
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cleanliness. It promotes scientific waste management, including solid and liquid waste
management in rural and urban areas. This involves segregation of waste at source, collection,
transportation, and proper disposal and processing, including composting and
waste-to-energy initiatives.7 The campaign also emphasizesthe importance of keeping public
s paces clean, such as streets, railway stations, bus stands, and monuments.8 Regular
cleanliness drives, public awareness campaigns, and the involvement of local communities,
schools, and self-help groups are integral to this aspect.9
ne of the significant successes of the Swachhta Abhiyaan has been its ability to foster a
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sense of responsibility and ownership among citizens.10 Celebrities, public figures, and
common people have actively participated in cleanliness drives, inspiring others to join the
movement.11 The "Swachhata Pakhwada" (cleanlinessfortnight) observed by various
government ministries and departments, and "Swachh Survekshan" (cleanliness survey) which
ranks cities based on their cleanliness levels, have introduced a spirit of healthy competition
and encouraged better performance in sanitation.12
hile significant strides have been made, the journey towards a truly Swachh Bharat (Clean
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India) is ongoing.13 Sustaining the ODF status, ensuringproper maintenance and usage of
toilets, and effectively managing the ever-increasing volume of waste remain crucial
challenges.14 Continuous behavioral reinforcement,capacity building for waste management
professionals, and technological advancements in sanitation are vital for the long-term
s uccess of the Abhiyaan. The Swachhta Abhiyaan is a testament to the power of collective
action and a reminder that true progress encompasses not just economic growth, but also the
fundamental well-being and dignity of every citizen. It's a national endeavor that seeks to
transform India into a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified nation for all.15
