Relevance: GS-II & V (Rural Development, Sanitation)

Why in the News?

The Mission Directorate of Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G) organised a two-day capacity-building workshop in Guwahati to strengthen sanitation implementation and ensure long-term sustainability of rural sanitation assets in Assam.

What is Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen?

Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen is a flagship programme of the Government of India aimed at achieving Open Defecation Free rural areas, improving solid and liquid waste management, and promoting behavioural change towards cleanliness.

The mission is implemented by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department with active community participation.

Following the successful achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in rural India by October 2, 2019 (Phase-I), the SBM-G Phase-II was launched (2020-21 to 2025-26).
Its primary objective is to achieve ODF Plus status in all villages.

The Concept of ODF Plus

An ODF Plus village is one that:

• Sustains its ODF status.
• Ensures Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM).
• Achieves visual cleanliness (minimal litter and stagnant wastewater).

Core Components (SLWM Focus)

Solid Waste Management (SWM)

• Community composting (Biodegradable Waste Management).
• Establishment of Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMU) at Block/District level.
• Conversion of organic waste into resources under the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) initiative.

Liquid Waste Management (LWM)

• Management of greywater through household soak pits or community systems.
• Use of Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) or Constructed Wetlands.
• Faecal Sludge Management (FSM).

ODF Sustainability

• Continued use of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs).
• Maintenance of Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs).

Implementation and Innovation in Assam

• The workshop emphasised the critical role of engineers in asset creation, maintenance, and technology adoption.
• Innovative models such as the Swachhta Green Leaf Rating for hotels were introduced.
• Designs for floating toilets were discussed to address sanitation challenges in flood-prone areas.
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) responsibilities are being entrusted to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at Gaon Panchayat level to promote sustainability, ownership, and livelihoods.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G) Phase-II:

1. The primary objective is to achieve and sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in all rural areas by 2025.
2. The program explicitly focuses on Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) to make villages “ODF Plus.”
3. GOBARdhan is a key component under the mission, focused solely on the collection of plastic waste.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (B) 2 only

Statement 1 is incorrect as Phase-I achieved ODF status; Phase-II aims for ODF Plus.
Statement 3 is incorrect as GOBARdhan focuses on converting organic waste (cattle dung, kitchen waste) into biogas and manure, not solely plastic waste.

One Line Wrap

SBM-G Phase-II marks India’s transition from achieving basic sanitation (ODF) to ensuring holistic and sustainable rural cleanliness through comprehensive Solid and Liquid Waste Management (ODF Plus).

Source: The Assam Tribune E-paper