SS2024 VoteForYourCity 2.6

Launched on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) – Urban marks an essential initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) aimed at improving urban sanitation across India. Covering all statutory towns and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) designated by the ministry, this mission addresses several key objectives vital to enhancing public health and sanitation standards.

The objectives of SBM-U include:

• Elimination of open defecation
• Eradication of manual scavenging
• Development of modern and scientific municipal solid waste management
• Promotion of behavioral change regarding healthy sanitation practices
• Raising awareness of sanitation and its connection to public health
• Augmenting the capacities of ULBs to foster private sector participation in capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operation and maintenance (OPEX)

This mission adopts a comprehensive approach to sanitation, emphasizing holistic development rather than isolated solutions. It encompasses solid waste management, plastic waste management, and initiatives aimed at cultivating healthy sanitation behaviors while enhancing public understanding of sanitation’s relevance to community health.

Regarding Swachh Survekshan 2024 (SS2024), the survey aims to mobilize widespread citizen participation and foster awareness regarding collective efforts needed to improve living conditions in urban settings. It further seeks to instill a spirit of healthy competition among towns and cities, incentivizing them to enhance their service delivery for cleaner urban environments.

To maximize the developmental benefits derived from the survey, focused efforts are being undertaken to enhance cities' capacities in understanding the survey's methodologies. This includes providing additional preparation time for towns and cities along with in-depth interactions with ULBs to clarify expectations and familiarize them with the survey’s process and output indicators.

As part of fostering improvements in urban sanitation, MoHUA initiated the first Swachh Survekshan survey in January 2016, which ranked 73 cities. The subsequent surveys expanded significantly: Swachh Survekshan-2017 ranked 434 cities; Swachh Survekshan 2018 covered 4,203 cities; Swachh Survekshan 2019 included 4,277 cities; Swachh Survekshan 2020 saw the addition of a promotional league; and Swachh Survekshan 2021 was held over several months in with similar ranking initiatives.

Key focus areas for SS2024 include:

• End-to-end digital monitoring for enhanced efficiency and transparency
• Integration of circular economy principles in waste management operations
• A COVID-19 response highlighting the importance of municipal frontline workers
• Introduction of measures addressing open urination
• Encouragement of zero waste weddings/events aimed at reducing waste generation during social functions
• Promotion of Atmanirbhar wards/Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to advocate 'zero wet waste discharge'
• Involvement of public representatives in ward rankings and recognition under 'Swachh Change'
• A people-centered approach