The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India with the aim of improving sanitation and cleanliness across the country. The mission, which was officially launched on October 2, 2014, focuses on promoting hygiene, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring proper waste management.

Here are the key aspects of the Swachh Bharat Mission:

1. Objective: The primary goal is to make India clean and open defecation-free by improving sanitation facilities and promoting cleanliness.

2. Components:

   • Urban Component: Focuses on improving sanitation infrastructure in urban areas, including waste collection, disposal, and recycling.
   • Rural Component: Aims to build individual household toilets, community toilets, and encourage behavioral change in rural areas.

3. Key Features:

   • Toilet Construction: Providing subsidies and support for building toilets in households and public places.
   • Public Awareness: Conducting campaigns to educate people about the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
   • Waste Management: Promoting proper waste disposal and recycling methods.

4. Achievements:

   • Significant progress has been made in increasing the number of households with access to toilets.
   • Several regions have been declared “open defecation-free” as part of the mission’s success stories.

5. Impact: The mission has contributed to improving public health, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing the quality of life for many people in India.

The Swachh Bharat Mission continues to be a critical part of India’s development agenda, striving for a cleaner and healthier nation.