Relevance for UPSC: GS II (Governance), GS III (Public Health & Environment); Source: The Hindu

Swachh Bharat Mission: Background

Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission focused on eliminating open defecation through large-scale toilet construction. Over 12 crore toilets were built, and most villages were declared Open Defecation Free. The mission has now moved to Phase II, emphasising sustainability, behaviour change, and waste management.

Core Sanitation Challenge

• Rural sanitation systems rely mainly on septic tanks and pits
• These require periodic, safe desludging and treatment
• Lack of formal systems leads to groundwater pollution and health risks
• Risk of reversing gains achieved under Open Defecation Free status

Urban–Rural Partnership Model

• Linking rural desludging demand with underutilised urban faecal sludge treatment plants
• Formal agreements between Urban Local Bodies and Gram Panchayats
• Ensures professional service delivery, cost efficiency, and environmental safety

Governance and Policy Significance

• Shift from infrastructure-led to service-led sanitation
• Strengthens local-level cooperative governance
• Supported by Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen Phase II and Fifteenth Finance Commission grants

UPSC Value Box

• Key focus: Faecal sludge and solid–liquid waste management
• Governance insight: Urban–rural convergence at grassroots level
• Public health link: Prevention of waterborne diseases
• SDGs: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health)

Conclusion

Urban–rural sanitation partnerships represent the next stage of India’s sanitation reform, ensuring that toilet coverage translates into long-term public health and environmental sustainability.

Q. Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II primarily focuses on:
A. Construction of household toilets
B. Behaviour change and waste management
C. Urban sewerage expansion only
D. Drinking water supply

Correct Answer: B