Celebrating 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: PM Modi to Highlight Key Achievements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan on October 2, 2024, during the Swachh Bharat Diwas event. Scheduled to take place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi at 10 AM, this occasion aligns with the 155th Gandhi Jayanti, further emphasizing the mission's commitment to Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a clean India.

The Swachh Bharat Diwas will highlight the significant progress made in sanitation over the last decade, showcasing the successes of the recent Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. This year's theme, 'Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,' focuses on promoting cleanliness and environmental health across the nation.

Launched on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan consists of two primary components: Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) for rural areas and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) for urban centres. Here are some key achievements of the mission:

• Improved Health: The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a significant decline in diarrhoea-related deaths, with 300,000 fewer fatalities in 2019 compared to 2014, attributed to improved sanitation. The mission has also contributed to reductions in malaria, stillbirths, and low birth weight in children under five.
• More Toilets: The initiative has successfully constructed toilets for 10 million rural households, benefiting approximately 50 million people across 630,000 villages. Many of these villages have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), ensuring every household has access to sanitation facilities.
• Better Safety for Women: According to UNICEF, 93% of women report feeling safer since having a toilet in their homes, highlighting the mission's positive impact on women's safety and dignity.
• Savings for Families: Households in ODF villages save an average of ₹50,000 annually on health-related expenses due to improved sanitation facilities.
• Reduced Groundwater Contamination: In ODF villages, groundwater contamination levels are 12.7 times lower, contributing to better environmental health.
• Swachh Iconic Places: The mission has garnered support from corporations and private individuals to clean and maintain iconic sites across India, promoting national pride and tourism.
• Awards for Cleanliness: Cities and towns are recognized as 'Swachh Cities' based on their efforts in sanitation and cleanliness, fostering a competitive spirit among local administrations.
• International Recognition: PM Modi received the Global Goalkeeper Award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2019, acknowledging the progress made under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Urban Sanitation: The urban component of the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to eliminate open defecation in urban areas and achieve 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste.

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As PM Modi commemorates this milestone, the focus will be on the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and its transformative impact on public health, women's safety, and overall community well-being.