“India’s Rural Sanitation Push: 10 Million New Toilets Built Under Swachh Bharat Mission”
In a remarkable achievement under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the government of India has announced the construction of 10 million new household toilets across rural areas in the past year. This initiative, part of the second phase of the mission, aims to improve sanitation access, hygiene standards, and overall quality of life in rural communities. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was initially launched in 2014 to tackle open defecation and promote cleaner living environments, especially in underserved regions.
These new household toilets incorporate sustainable and low-cost technologies, designed to meet rural needs while maintaining hygiene. They’re part of the government’s larger effort to achieve a nationwide “Open Defecation Free Plus” status, which focuses not only on access to toilets but also on safe waste disposal and continued public health education.
To ensure long-term sanitation improvements, the government has paired infrastructure development with community education, training village volunteers as sanitation ambassadors, and launching awareness campaigns on hygiene practices. Local women have been integral to this initiative, with many self-help groups across states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal managing the maintenance of community sanitation facilities and leading village hygiene drives.
The impact of these initiatives goes beyond sanitation, bringing health, social, and economic benefits to millions. The reduction in open defecation and improved waste disposal practices have led to a decrease in waterborne diseases, improving health outcomes, particularly for children. Additionally, as sanitation improves, educational attendance rates rise, particularly among girls, who are now able to attend school regularly.
As India continues its sanitation mission, the next steps will involve expanding waste management systems and ensuring toilet facilities in every public space, supporting the goal of universal sanitation by 2030. With cleaner villages, healthier communities, and empowered local leaders, the Swachh Bharat Mission is transforming India’s rural landscape and strengthening public health.