On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a decade of the Swachh Bharat Mission by laying the foundation stone for several key sanitation and cleanliness projects. The event, held at Vigyan Bhawan, was part of the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebrations, which showcased India’s decade-long journey towards improved sanitation, hygiene, and waste management.
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, has transformed India’s approach to cleanliness. The Prime Minister reflected on the mission’s achievements and future, stating, “The past 10 years have seen remarkable progress in ensuring a clean India. This journey is not just about infrastructure; it’s about changing mindsets and creating a sustainable future.”
Key Projects and Investments
As part of the celebrations, PM Modi announced several new sanitation projects, including:
- ₹9,600 crore worth of projects under the AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 schemes, aimed at enhancing urban water and sewage systems.
- ₹1,550 crore dedicated to improving water quality and waste management in Ganga basin areas through the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
- 15 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant projects under the GOBARdhan Scheme, worth over ₹1,332 crore, focusing on sustainable waste management.
These initiatives aim to build upon the mission’s foundation, providing cleaner cities and villages while improving public health.
Nationwide Participation
Swachh Bharat Diwas saw the active involvement of local government bodies, women’s groups, youth organizations, and community leaders. Over 19.70 lakh cleanliness drives were completed as part of the recent Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, which witnessed the participation of more than 17 crore people. Moreover, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative resulted in the planting of over 45 lakh trees nationwide, reinforcing the mission’s focus on sustainability.
A Decade of Transformation
Since its inception, the Swachh Bharat Mission has not only promoted hygiene but has also created livelihoods. More than 110 million toilets were constructed during its first phase, generating employment for millions of workers, including women masons known as “Rani Mistries.” In its second phase, the focus shifted to waste management, leading to job creation in waste collection, recycling, and processing.
The mission has also had a profound impact on public health. According to studies, it has helped avert 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually, thanks to improved sanitation infrastructure.
Looking forward, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the mission’s achievements and expanding its reach. The Swachh Bharat Mission has laid a strong foundation for future generations, making cleanliness a cornerstone of India’s development journey.
As the nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti, the legacy of the Swachh Bharat Mission stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the vision of a cleaner, healthier India.
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