The proverb "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" highlights the importance of cleanliness in human life both physically and mentally by maintaining personal hygiene and bringing positive thoughts. Many great Indian reformers, like Mahatma Gandhi, emphasized cleanliness for holistic health. Today, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), led by the Prime Minister, aims to maintain cleanliness and achieve a cleaner India. The nationwide garbage-free cities initiative began in 2021, with only 18% of solid waste being processed. Today, that figure has risen to 73%.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign with a curtain-raiser event on September 13 in New Delhi. This occasion is a notable milestone, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of SBM and the seventh year of the SHS campaign. The SHS 2024 campaign runs from September 17 to October 2, concluding on Swachh Bharat Diwas. It allows all citizens and stakeholders to actively engage in SBM.
The theme for SHS 2024, “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata (4S),” aims to rekindle collective action and citizen involvement in cleanliness efforts across India. It is based on three key pillars: 1. Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) – Shramdaan activities focusing on the time-bound transformation of specific target areas and overall cleanliness. 2. Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari – Public Participation, Awareness and Advocacy which engages citizens in cleanliness efforts through various participatory activities. 3. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs – provides preventive health check-ups and social security coverage for sanitation workers.
These pillars are to be implemented through Jal Andolan/ community participation to boost SBM. They aim to highlight the importance of a sampoorna swachh village, which includes open defecation-free environments and efficient solid and liquid waste management. This effort is also a precursor to Mahatma Gandhi's 150th year celebration and Swachh Bharat Diwas (October 2), encouraging nationwide participation in sanitation.
There are currently around 2300 dumpsites on a small scale in urban areas of the country holding a total of 22 crore metric tonnes (MT) of waste. Under SBM, 427 dumpsites with nine crore MT of waste have been fully remediated, freeing up 4500 acres of land. Under the SHS2024 campaign, never-attempted dump sites known as Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), are being identified across states and union territories with the assistance of local bodies and governments in tourist locations, public buildings, commercial areas, community and public toilets, water bodies, zoos and sanctuaries.
Swachhata hi Sewa in Goa
As per a detailed survey conducted in 2018, the total solid waste generated in the State of Goa was 766 tons per day (up from 214 tons per day in 2011), of which 52% was bio-degradable waste, 45% was non-bio-degradable waste and the balance, domestic hazardous and sanitary waste. Of the total solid waste, 61% was generated by households, 35% was from commercial establishments and another 4% was generated from street sweeping activities. The average per capita solid waste in the State was 0.484 kilograms per day (kgmpd) whereas the per capita generation in north Goa and south Goa was 0.530 kgmpd and 0.427 kgmpd, respectively. Panaji, Margao, Mormugao, and Mapusa collectively account for nearly 75-80% of the total waste generated in municipal areas. The increase in the state's waste generation is driven by several factors, including floating population, urbanization, changing lifestyles, higher demand for packaged products, inefficient waste collection, and inadequate transportation and disposal facilities. At present, only two solid waste processing plants are in operation – one of 250 TPD at Saligao, north Goa, and the other of 100 TPD at Cacora, south Goa.
Municipalities, Panchayats, and other bodies invest crores in cleaning roads, beaches, and tourist spots. Despite these efforts, littering by locals and tourists continues to mar the surroundings. Under SHS 2024, the central ministries have launched a campaign focused on three pillars: Cleanliness Target Units, coastal cleanup, and more. In South Goa, among other institutions, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has set comprehensive targets to clean key areas in Mormugao, including Baina Beach on Sept 21 and Velsao Beach on Oct 4. This initiative involves collaboration with students from DeepVihar High School and Govt High School, Baina. Plans also include cleanup drives near the temples in Headland Sada and a few locations along the Varnapuri-MPA highway. Other plans include incentivizing employees to participate in Art from Waste initiatives and recognizing the contributions of housekeeping staff through awards.
Let us embrace "Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata" as a guiding principle for our communities. This theme encourages us to integrate cleanliness into our daily lives as a natural and fundamental aspect of our behavior and values. By fostering a culture where cleanliness is deeply rooted in our habits and social norms, we can achieve a sustainable and healthy environment. Together, we can renew our commitment to cleanliness, not only as a duty but as a reflection of our shared values and respect for our surroundings.
(Dr Luis is a senior Scientist and Nodal Officer for Swachh Bharat Activities at NCPOR)
