How Swachh is Bharat after two and half years of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? Till now, every one of us is aware of this campaign. The mighty “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”. After all we pay the Swachh Bharat cess, don’t we? But we want to make everyone aware what this campaigns aims to achieve and how we can help. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is the largest cleanliness initiative taken by the Government of India. This campaign aims to clean every nook and corner of India which constitutes about 4041 cities and town. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan also aims to achieve “Open Defecation Free” India by 2nd of Oct 2019.
Everyone Must be their Own Scavenger
Cleanliness is not just a habit but a responsibility that every citizen must embrace. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), launched by the Government of India in 2014, has been a significant step toward fostering a culture of cleanliness across the nation. However, for the mission to achieve its full potential, every individual must take personal responsibility for their surroundings. The idea that “everyone must be their own scavenger” emphasizes the importance of self-accountability in maintaining hygiene rather than relying solely on municipal workers or government initiatives.
The Concept of Personal Responsibility
The phrase “be your own scavenger” implies that individuals should not wait for someone else to clean up after them. In many societies, waste disposal and cleanliness are often seen as the duty of sanitation workers, leading to negligence among the general public. However, if every person adopts the mindset of cleaning up after themselves, the collective impact would drastically reduce littering, open defecation, and environmental pollution.
For instance, simple actions like carrying a small bag to collect personal waste during outings, segregating garbage at home, or picking up stray litter in public places can make a significant difference. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has already created awareness about cleanliness, but its success hinges on individual participation.
The Role of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched with the vision of making India open-defecation-free and ensuring proper waste management. The campaign has led to the construction of millions of toilets, improved waste collection systems, and widespread awareness drives. However, infrastructure alone cannot guarantee cleanliness unless citizens actively participate.
Government initiatives can provide the framework, but behavioral change is essential. Campaigns like “Swachhata Hi Seva” encourage people to contribute through cleanliness drives, but these efforts must extend beyond occasional participation. The real transformation occurs when people internalize the habit of cleanliness in their daily lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Says
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made us realize how important this campaign is, by talking about it in his 2014 Independence Day speech.
He asked, “Has it ever pained us that our mothers and sisters have to defecate in open? Poor womenfolk of the village wait for the night; until darkness descends, so they can go out and defecate. What bodily torture they must be feeling, how many diseases that act might engender? Can’t we just make arrangements for toilets for the dignity of our mothers and sisters?”
These are the questions that most women have been seeking since centuries. But all they have received is shameless silence from the Government and the people. It is time we, as the responsible citizens of our country, and the Government take a step.
Facts regarding Campaign
We want to talk about some facts regarding what this campaign has achieved till now:
- 16.45 toilets have been built against the target of 25 lakhs toilets in urban areas till march 2016
- 35 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free
- 2.5 Crore toilets built in 2 years
- 94,653 toilet seats have been built against the target of 1 lakh by March 2016
- Government of India has allocated 9000 crores for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- World bank has also provided $25 million encouraging the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
When we look at these figures, they are heartwarming and delightful. We feel proud of the Government when we see these figures.
But there are also some astonishing figures which contradict this:
- 14 million tons of garbage is generated daily in India
- 8% of sewage is not processed in India
- Out of total solid waste generated, 83% is collected and only 29% is treated
- Our one solution for processing waste is burning it, which is again a problem for another day.
- Sanitary waste disposal in India is also a bigger problem as 75% of sanitary waste is not even properly dumped.
Despite having such success with the campaign, we are so behind. There are so many matters in this campaign which are still untouched.
In a survey by GreenBin organization in Bengaluru with rag pickers, following facts were found:
- 80% of them accepted that the waste they get is still not properly segregated
- The food waste they get is usually 2-3 days’ old
- Sanitary waste is not properly covered and there is no proper system for processing these wastes.
This list of achievements and failures goes on.
Practical Steps to become your Own Scavenger
1. Carry a Waste Bag – Always keep a small bag to collect personal trash when outdoors, especially in places with no bins.
2. Segregate Waste – Separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at home to facilitate proper disposal.
3. Avoid Littering – Resist the urge to throw wrappers or bottles on the road; wait until you find a dustbin.
4. Participate in Clean-Up Drives – Join community efforts like local Swachh Bharat initiatives to contribute to larger change.
5. Educate Others – Spread awareness among friends and family about responsible waste management.
The Environmental and Social Impacts
When individuals take responsibility for their waste, the benefits extend beyond cleanliness. Proper waste management reduces pollution, prevents diseases, and conserves natural resources. It also lessens the burden on sanitation workers, who often face health risks due to improper waste handling.
Moreover, a cleaner environment enhances civic pride and boosts tourism, contributing to economic growth. Countries like Japan and Singapore have demonstrated how public discipline in cleanliness can elevate a nation’s global image. India, with its Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has the potential to achieve similar success if citizens take ownership of their role in the mission.
Conclusion
The vision of a clean India can only be realized when every citizen adopts the principle of being their own scavenger. While the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has laid the groundwork, its success depends on individual commitment. Cleanliness is not just a government initiative but a collective responsibility that requires daily effort from all. By cultivating personal accountability, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Before closing this article, we ask you to look around and analyze whether we have moved forward or still struggling to find the proper direction.
