Swachh Bharat Mission Drives Sanitation Gains, But Maintenance Remains A Challenge

India’s sanitation landscape has seen major improvements under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with significant gains reported in both rural and urban areas.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V Somanna, informed the Lok Sabha that over 11.9 crore individual household latrines (IHHLs) and 2.6 lakh community sanitary complexes (CSCs), built under SBM-Grameen since 2014.

Uttar Pradesh has led the campaign with over 2.5 crore IHHLs, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. In urban areas, SBM-Urban and its second phase have added 63.78 lakh household toilets and 6.36 lakh public and community toilet seats. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are top contributors.

Despite the infrastructure growth, maintenance remains a concern. Many CSCs suffer from poor upkeep due to unclear ownership, limited funding, and low public awareness. Still, Gram Panchayats in several states are introducing local solutions. These include linking toilets with businesses and running awareness drives to improve sustainability.

Since 2014–15, the Centre has released Rs 28,849 crore under SBM-G, peaking at Rs 21,629 crore in 2018–19. In 2024–25, Rs 3,622 crore has been allocated. SBM-U has received Rs 1,892 crore this year, with additional support through the SNA-Sparsh model.

The Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2023–24 survey covered over 17,000 villages and 2.6 lakh households. It found that 95.1 per cent of rural households now have access to toilets, and 78.7 per cent manage greywater effectively.

However, only 39.9 per cent of households segregate waste, and just 29.4 per cent of villages have proper waste storage sheds.

Among urban areas, 4,692 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are certified Open Defecation Free (ODF). Of these, 1,973 have achieved ODF++ status, and 214 are certified Water+. The government is pushing to sustain ODF achievements while scaling up solid and liquid waste management under SBM-G Phase II.

Villages with under 5,000 people can access financial support of Rs 60 per capita. Larger ones get Rs 45. Each block is to have at least one Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU), with Rs 16 lakh allocated per unit. Presently, 61.4 per cent of PWMUs and 58.5 per cent of GOBARdhan biogas plants are functional.

The next phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission will emphasise behaviour change, technology upgrades, and inclusive planning to ensure lasting results.

Also Read: ‘A Void That Can’t Be Filled’: CMD Upendrra Rai Remembers Film Critic Ajit Rai