Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 for Mains: Garbage-Free Urban India
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is one of India’s most ambitious and impactful initiatives aimed at ensuring cleanliness and sanitation across the country. Launched in 2014, the mission transitioned to Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 in 2021, focusing on sustainable waste management and achieving the vision of a Garbage-Free Urban India. For UPSC Mains aspirants, understanding SBM 2.0 is crucial as it aligns with themes of urban governance, sustainable development, and public health.
The Evolution of Swachh Bharat Mission
Swachh Bharat Mission (Phase 1)
- Launched: October 2, 2014.
- Objective: Eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.
- Key Achievements:
- Declaring rural India open defecation-free (ODF).
- Building over 10 crore toilets.
- Promoting behavioral change through campaigns like “Darwaza Band.”
Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
- Launched: October 1, 2021.
- Focus Areas:
- Garbage-free cities.
- Scientific waste management.
- Effective plastic waste management.
- Waste-to-wealth initiatives.
- Budget: ₹1.41 lakh crore over five years.
Objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
- Scientific Solid Waste Management:
- Focus on source segregation and recycling.
- Establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for plastic and other recyclable waste.
- Reduction of Plastic Waste:
- Encourage alternatives to single-use plastics.
- Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers.
- Sustainability:
- Shift from a collection-based model to a treatment-based model.
- Promote composting and biogas generation from organic waste.
- Behavioral Change:
- Foster public participation in cleanliness drives.
- Promote responsible waste disposal habits.
- Digital Monitoring:
- Use of digital dashboards to monitor progress in real-time.
Key Features of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
- Garbage-Free Cities (GFC):
- Certification system with star ratings for cities based on cleanliness benchmarks.
- Incentives for achieving garbage-free status.
- Decentralized Waste Management:
- Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to manage waste at the source.
- Waste to Energy and Wealth:
- Convert non-recyclable waste into energy through incineration or other technologies.
- Promote circular economy principles.
- Sanitation Coverage:
- Maintain the open defecation-free (ODF) status achieved in SBM 1.0.
- Expand ODF+ and ODF++ standards for public and community toilets.
- Capacity Building:
- Train sanitation workers and officials for efficient waste management.
Challenges in Urban Waste Management
- Unscientific Disposal:
- Over 60% of urban waste in India is dumped in unscientific landfills.
- Plastic Pollution:
- Single-use plastics continue to be a significant environmental concern.
- Public Awareness:
- Lack of awareness about waste segregation and recycling practices.
- Limited Infrastructure:
- Inadequate number of composting and recycling units.
- Financial Constraints:
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) face funding and resource limitations.
Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Steps Towards Garbage-Free Urban India
1. Strengthening Urban Governance
- The mission emphasizes empowering ULBs with the financial and administrative capacity to implement waste management solutions effectively.
2. Promoting Segregation at Source
- SBM 2.0 mandates the segregation of waste into wet, dry, and hazardous categories. This forms the cornerstone of effective waste management.
3. Sustainable Practices
- Composting of wet waste and the use of biogas plants help convert organic waste into energy, aligning with the waste-to-wealth model.
4. Encouraging Public Participation
- Campaigns such as “Jan Andolan for Cleanliness” are designed to engage citizens in maintaining urban cleanliness.
5. Leveraging Technology
- Digital dashboards and real-time tracking enable transparency and efficiency in implementation.
Relevance for UPSC Mains
The Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 holds significant relevance in UPSC Mains, especially in the following areas:
- Urban Governance:
- SBM 2.0 highlights the role of urban local bodies in waste management.
- Public Health:
- Clean cities directly impact public health by reducing the spread of diseases caused by poor sanitation.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
- Economy and Employment:
- Waste-to-wealth initiatives create jobs in recycling, composting, and waste treatment sectors.
Preparing for Swachh Bharat Mission in Mains
1. Study Government Resources
- Refer to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for official updates.
- Analyze PIB releases for policy insights.
2. Use Reports and Data
- Include findings from the Swachh Survekshan report.
- Cite statistics from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
3. Focus on Case Studies
- Highlight successful implementations like Indore’s garbage-free model.
- Discuss challenges faced by underperforming cities.
4. Integrate Current Affairs
- Use examples of recent initiatives to support your arguments.
Resources for Preparation
- Government Websites
- Swachh Bharat Urban: Comprehensive details on SBM initiatives.
- NITI Aayog: Policy insights and progress updates.
- Sleepy Classes Resources
- The platform provides curated materials on urban governance and sustainable development.
- Refer to their current affairs modules for SBM-related updates.
- Global References
- Study urban cleanliness models from international cities via UN Habitat.
Conclusion
The Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 represents a transformative shift in India’s approach to urban waste management. By focusing on sustainable practices, digital monitoring, and public participation, it aims to create a Garbage-Free Urban India. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the objectives, features, and challenges of SBM 2.0 is critical for addressing questions on urban governance, sustainable development, and public health. By integrating data, reports, and case studies into your answers, you can showcase a holistic understanding of the mission’s significance in shaping India’s urban landscape.
