Swachh Bharat Mission Transforming Drinking Water and Sanitation in India
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, has become a cornerstone of India’s national efforts to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness. This initiative aimed to address India’s long-standing sanitation challenges, ensuring that every citizen has access to basic sanitation facilities, including toilets and clean drinking water. The mission is vital for improving public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall quality of life in rural and urban areas alike.
The mission has also made substantial strides in enhancing drinking water access through the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). By 2020, the government achieved 99% coverage of rural households with piped water supply, providing clean drinking water to millions who previously lacked this basic necessity. Moreover, through the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, the government aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. As of 2023, over 70 million rural households have been connected to piped water systems, marking significant progress toward universal water access.
Bhartiya Yuva Sabha (BYS), a youth-led organization, has been an important ally in the Swachh Bharat Mission. The Sabha mobilizes young people across India to actively participate in cleanliness drives, spreading awareness about sanitation practices and encouraging community participation. BYS collaborates with local governments and NGOs to educate people, especially in rural areas, about the benefits of clean sanitation and drinking water.
Capital And LED BULb
The first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which ran from 2014 to 2019, had a transformative impact on sanitation practices across India. This ambitious initiative aimed to eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and ensure universal access to toilets, with a strong emphasis on rural areas. The success of SBM Phase I laid the foundation for the continuing progress in the fight for a cleaner and healthier India.
One of the most significant achievements of Phase I was the construction of over 100 million toilets across the country. This initiative directly contributed to improving the lives of millions, especially in rural areas, where open defecation had been a longstanding issue. By 2019, over 99% of rural India had been declared open defecation-free (ODF), a monumental achievement for a country with such a large and diverse population. The rapid construction of toilets led to a drastic reduction in open defecation, which is directly linked to the spread of disease and poor sanitation conditions.
At BYS, we employ a unique operational approach that combines the strengths of government agencies, civil society, and private sector partners to drive scalable and lasting change. Our mission is to ensure that every individual has access to clean water, improved sanitation, and proper hygiene, fostering a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for all.
Our work is rooted in innovative demonstration models, grassroots advocacy, and active collaboration with government bodies to deliver impactful, scalable solutions in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). With a presence across 10 states, 40 districts, and 1,245 villages, as well as four urban centers, WaterAid India made a significant impact in 2023-24, reaching over 1.2 million people through our comprehensive WASH initiatives.
Through our strategic approach, we aim to extend essential services and promote lasting change, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Dinking Water And sanitation
Our Focus Areas: Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation
At BYS India, our primary focus lies in ensuring that every individual, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background, has access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation. These two core pillars are fundamental to creating healthier communities, promoting hygiene, and reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Our work revolves around addressing the challenges associated with these issues, especially in underserved and rural areas where access to these basic services is still limited.
Safe Drinking Water
Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, yet millions in India still lack reliable access to clean and safe water sources. WaterAid India works tirelessly to improve water quality, establish reliable water supply systems, and empower communities to manage their own water resources sustainably. By collaborating with local authorities and using innovative technologies, we focus on providing safe water through systems like piped water connections, rainwater harvesting, and water purification methods. Our efforts aim not just to provide water but to ensure that it is safe, accessible, and available year-round, particularly in rural and remote areas.
In 2023-24 alone, WaterAid India reached over 1.2 million people with clean drinking water initiatives, ensuring communities can access safe water that meets health standards.
Sanitation
Sanitation is critical to public health, yet inadequate sanitation remains a major issue in many parts of India, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid. WaterAid India is dedicated to eradicating open defecation and providing sustainable sanitation solutions. We support the construction of household toilets, community sanitation facilities, and promote behavior change to ensure that these facilities are used effectively and maintained properly.
Our approach includes advocacy for policy changes, creating awareness about proper sanitation practices, and collaborating with government bodies to ensure the integration of sanitation into local development agendas. Through these efforts, WaterAid India aims to contribute to achieving an open defecation-free (ODF) India and ensure that everyone has access to clean, private sanitation facilities.
In addition, we work towards enhancing solid waste management systems, improving public toilets, and creating a culture of cleanliness. In doing so, we contribute to the creation of healthier, more sustainable environments for communities across India.
By focusing on safe drinking water and sanitation, we aim to build a future where clean water and dignified sanitation facilities are available to all, laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable society.
BYS Reach & PRESENCE
