Global goal, local fight
The success of Swachh Bharat Mission will decide if the world will achieve its goal of being open defecation-free
Rush for toilet construction continues
There has been a massive spike in constructing toilets in record time in Gonda district, but it remains to be seen whether it would lead to real …
Despite Centre's advisory, people are still intimidated into ending open defecation
In Rajasthan last month, local district administration arrested locals for defecating in the open and ordered discontinuation of electricity …
Rural Kerala declared open defecation-free
All city areas are expected to become ODF by January 1 and a majority of municipalities have already achieved the target
World Bank approves $ 1.5 billion loan for rural sanitation programme
The project will result in bringing significant health benefits to the poor and the vulnerable sections living in rural areas
Shocking irregularities found by CAG among toilets constructed in govt schools
Toilets were non-existent, partially constructed, did not have water, were not hygienic and had many other shortcomings
ODF Plus: Step up or lose
India cannot sustain its next round of sanitation campaign without managing its faecal waste
Union Budget 2019-20: Focus shifts to SBM phase 2, women’s role in it
The mission will now aim to turn waste into energy and better solid waste management in rural areas
In the Parliament on July 19, 2018
Here’s a round-up of today’s debates and reports on environmental and developmental issues
Budget 2018: Swachh Bharat Mission funds cut down
For the first time in the last four years, the allocation for the sanitation programme was reduced
Bio-toilets in trains not effective; they are no better than septic tanks: IIT Madras
About 93,537 bio-digesters have been installed in trains so far at a cost of Rs 1,305 crore
Swachh Survekshan Gramin reports 62% toilet coverage, surveys 0.72% villages in India
Toilet construction, rather than usage, seems to be the focus of the survey report
Behaviour change at many levels needed to make India open defecation-free
National Consultation on Rural Sanitation calls for triggering mindset change, but lack of credible data on health and sanitation is a challenge
In the Parliament on March 11, 2016
Gram panchayats get more funds for Swachh Bharat activities
Mandatory for lowest tier elected bodies to use half the funds allocated under 15th Finance Commission
Swachh Bharat is now about toilets built, not change in attitude: Experts
At a book launch in New Delhi, sanitation experts say the scheme has defeated the purpose of community-led total sanitation approach
Building toilets won’t make India open defecation free: World Bank study
The research analysed attitudes of people in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur, all of whom had toilets in their houses. Almost half were unwilling …
This is what Africa can learn from India's sanitation story
Despite the limitations of the Indian model of sanitation, Africa can draw inspiration from its many positive aspects
The plastic trail of the Ganga from mountain to sea
Despite campaigns for cleanliness, India has ignored the massive proliferation of plastics along rivers like the Ganga, in towns and villages, …
Weak municipalities, governance failure stalling progress of Swachh Bharat: experts
The panelists suggested that the Centre should find ways to reform governance and change attitudes
Centre asks mining companies to contribute to Swachh Bharat Mission projects
With CSR investments likely to boost funding for SBM projects, the DMF must now be used only to address other pressing issues in mining-affected areas
Coercive measures under Swachh Bharat Mission impinging on people’s freedom
Due to strict deadline of the SBM, the officials are now trying to coerce communities to stop open defecation and passing stringent laws
Not yet clean
Swachh Bharat Mission completes two years, but India is far from achieving its goal.
Sanitation workers: They clean our poop and face a lot of dangers; here is how
Is Swachh Bharat being achieved at the cost of the health and safety of sanitation workers? Or by funding for infrastructure?
Govt launches new framework to sustain India’s ‘100% ODF status’
The Centre will proclaim India to be 100% ODF on October 2 and the new framework envisages its strategy to maintain that status
