Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 16, 2024 9:05 am GMT
In a groundbreaking effort that has significantly improved public health, India’s “Clean India” mission, launched in 2014, has seen the construction of over 117 million toilets. This monumental initiative, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to create an open defecation-free (ODF) nation, potentially saving the lives of up to 70,000 babies by improving sanitation.
Swachh Bharat Mission: A Decade of Progress
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) officially began on October 2, 2014, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Its primary goal is to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this initiative has had a significant impact on health and sanitation.
Key Achievements of the Mission:
- Construction of 117 million toilets nationwide.
- Reduction in open defecation practices.
- Potential improvement in child health and survival rates.
However, despite these achievements, challenges remain, particularly in areas like Amritsar, where cleanliness continues to elude residents.
Amritsar: Struggles with Solid Waste Management
Ten years after launching the Swachh Bharat Mission, Amritsar faces ongoing waste management issues. Key problems include:
- Lack of Waste Segregation: The city has not successfully implemented waste segregation at its source, which is vital for effective waste management.
- Increasing Garbage Piles: Legacy waste continues to accumulate, leading to unsightly dumping sites, especially at Bhagtanwala dump.
- Inadequate Response from Authorities: The Municipal Corporation (MC) has not acted on recommendations from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to improve waste management practices.
Sanjay Kural, an environmentalist with Save Amritsar, remarks, “The authorities are turning recyclable items into garbage due to their negligence.” He emphasizes the importance of keeping wet and dry waste separate for proper disposal and recycling.
Challenges in Implementation
While the Swachh Bharat Mission has made progress in rural and urban toilet construction, the implementation of solid waste management policies remains lacking in some cities. In Amritsar, initiatives such as:
- Door-to-door garbage collection were once effective but have faltered over time.
- Contracts with private firms for waste management have faced issues due to financial disputes and non-compliance.
According to reports, 400 metric tonnes of waste are dumped at Bhagtanwala daily, demonstrating the failures in managing the city’s garbage effectively.
Plans for the Future
Despite the setbacks, there is hope for improving cleanliness in Amritsar. Authorities need to focus on several key strategies:
- Implementing Waste Segregation: Ensure that residents separate wet and dry waste to enhance recycling efforts.
- Improving Waste Collection Services: The MC must prioritize efficient collection and processing of waste, adhering to environmental regulations.
- Community Involvement: Engaging residents to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Modi’s vision for a cleaner India continues to inspire ongoing efforts. However, for cities like Amritsar to fully benefit from the mission, they must tackle the issues of waste management decisively.
Conclusion
The achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission are commendable, with the construction of 117 million toilets and the potential to save thousands of lives. However, the persistent cleanliness challenges in areas like Amritsar highlight the need for sustained efforts and community involvement in waste management. By focusing on effective implementation and promoting responsible waste disposal practices, India can move closer to achieving a truly clean and healthy environment for all its citizens.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is all about keeping India clean and improving sanitation. It aims to make sure everyone has access to clean toilets and clean living spaces. This mission helps people understand the importance of hygiene and encourages them to take part in keeping their surroundings neat and tidy.
