Introduction:

Safe sanitation is one of the most basic markers of human dignity and public health. Access to a clean toilet protects people from waterborne diseases, supports children’s education, and creates safer spaces for women and girls. In an era defined by rapid urbanisation, climate change, and widening socio-economic gaps, sanitation has emerged as both a development priority and a governance challenge.

• • World Toilet Day, observed on 19 November, is a reminder of the global sanitation crisis and the urgent need to provide safe toilets for all. It also reflects the spirit of SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation by 2030. Over the past decade, India has made sanitation a national mission, drawing global recognition for the scale of its reforms.

Evolution of the Swachh Bharat Mission:

Launched on 2 October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission set out to eliminate open defecation and redefine cleanliness standards across the country. Its two components—SBM-Gramin and SBM-Urban—were designed to improve sanitation infrastructure in rural and urban areas respectively.

SBM Phase I: A Nationwide Shift:

The first phase focused on building toilets and ensuring every household could access a safe sanitation facility. The results were unprecedented:

·        India declared itself Open Defecation Free (ODF) in October 2019 after all villages, districts, and states achieved ODF status.

·        A WHO study linked improved sanitation to 300,000 fewer diarrhoeal deaths in 2019 compared to 2014.

·        Households in ODF villages saved nearly ₹50,000 per year on health expenses.

·        Groundwater pollution levels declined as open defecation reduced.

·        More than 93% of women reported feeling safer due to improved access to toilets.

The mission quickly became a global reference point, with UN agencies frequently highlighting India’s achievements as a model for sanitation reform.

SBM Phase II: From Access to Sustainability:

Success in toilet construction brought a new challenge—ensuring long-term operation, maintenance, and cleanliness. SBM-Gramin Phase II, launched in 2020, focuses on sustaining ODF status and building comprehensive waste management systems.

What is an ODF Plus Village?

An ODF Plus village is one that continues to prevent open defecation while also managing solid and liquid waste and maintaining visible cleanliness. Three levels exist:

1.      ODF Plus Aspiring – Sustains ODF status; has either solid or liquid waste management.

2.      ODF Plus Rising – Sustains ODF status; has both systems in place.

3.     ODF Plus Model – Sustains ODF status; manages both waste streams, maintains visual cleanliness, and displays IEC (Information, Education, Communication) messages.

Rural Progress:

·        Over 95% of villages in India have been declared ODF Plus.

·        ODF Plus villages rose sharply—from 1 lakh in December 2022 to 5.67 lakh.

·        4,85,818 villages have achieved ODF Plus Model status.

This progress shows a shift from government-driven efforts to community ownership of sanitation systems. Rural areas are steadily moving toward long-term cleanliness rather than short-term campaigns.

Urban Sanitation: Expanding Infrastructure and Improving Systems:

Urban India faces a different set of challenges—dense populations, informal settlements, and large volumes of waste. Under SBM-Urban, cities have made remarkable gains in sanitation coverage:

Urban Achievements:

·        4,692 cities are ODF, 4,314 are ODF+, and 1,973 have achieved ODF++ certification.

·        Household toilet construction exceeded 108% of targets with 63.7 lakh units built.

·        Community and public toilets touched 125% completion, with 6.38 lakh units built.

Waste Processing Capacity:

• • India’s waste processing capacity has climbed dramatically—from 18% in 2014 to 70% in 2021. This shift ensures that millions of tonnes of waste are treated scientifically rather than dumped in open spaces.
  • Cities have also adopted technology in a big way. GPS-enabled tracking of waste collection vehicles, digital monitoring systems, and data-driven planning have helped improve efficiency and accountability.

Certification Ladder:

Urban sanitation now follows a graded model of certification:

·        ODF+ focuses on toilet functionality and maintenance.

·        ODF++ adds scientific faecal sludge and sewage management.

·        Water+ certifies cities that treat and reuse wastewater sustainably.

So far, more than 3,000 cities are ODF+ and over 950 cities are ODF++.

64 cities have achieved Water+ status—indicating strong progress in wastewater management.

Persistent Challenges:

• • Weak Segregation Practices: While official data claims 85% segregation, many cities show much lower actual performance. Example: Gurgaon reports only 10% real segregation on the ground. Without proper segregation, downstream waste processing systems fail.
  • Uneven Daily Waste Collection: Some localities still lack reliable waste collection, forcing residents to hire private collectors or dump waste illegally. Vehicles often aren’t designed to carry segregated waste, worsening the problem.
  • Behavioural Barriers: Sanitation is not only about infrastructure—it relies heavily on human behaviour. Habits, convenience, and social norms influence whether people use toilets properly or segregate waste at home.

Inequality in Urban Slums

• • 51% of non-notified slum residents lack improved sanitation.
  • Caste and class-based barriers limit access to safe toilets.
  • Informal settlements struggle with space shortages and unclear land rights.

Way Forward:

• • Integrated Waste Management: Cities need standardised systems for segregation, collection, transportation, and processing. The upcoming Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation Programme, set to begin on 15 August, aims to clear old dumpsites within a year and unlock reclaimed land for productive use.
  • Behavioural Change 2.0: Mass media campaigns alone are not enough. Localised awareness drives, youth involvement, and incentives for recycling can make cleanliness a sustained habit.
    • The theme of “Waste is Best” in recent Swachh Survekshan editions highlights the economic value of circular practices—green jobs, entrepreneurship, and resource recovery.
  • Equitable Access and Worker Welfare: Cities recognised as SafaiMitra Surakshit Shehars are ensuring safety equipment, mechanisation, and dignity for sanitation workers.
    • Inclusive policies must now target underserved slum clusters, resolve land tenure challenges, and design facilities that fit dense urban layouts.

Conclusion:

India’s sanitation story now represents one of the world’s largest and most ambitious public health transformations. The country has moved from basic concerns of toilet access to building sustainable systems for waste processing, sewage treatment, and behavioural change. Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and Jal Jeevan Mission have made sanitation a shared responsibility—uniting governments, communities, and citizens. As the country aligns its efforts with SDG 6, the next frontier lies in ensuring every village and city not only stays clean but becomes resilient, inclusive, and environmentally secure. With continued focus on equity, scientific waste management, and people-led movements, India is well-positioned to lead global efforts in achieving safe sanitation for all.