Swachh Bharat Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) played pivotal roles in enhancing sanitation nationwide

Addressing the 7 ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s substantial progress in urban waste processing, soaring from 17 per cent in 2014 to an impressive 76 per cent.

Puri credited the transformative initiatives driven by the Honourable Prime Minister, fostering a behavioural shift towards cleanliness.

The Swachh Bharat Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) played pivotal roles in enhancing sanitation nationwide. Puri highlighted the mission’s success in addressing urban open defecation constructing millions of individual and public toilets. AMRUT tackled sanitation infrastructure shortages by adding water and sewer connections in cities.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced India’s trajectory to achieve SBM phase-two goals by 2025. He emphasised rural sanitation achievements, with nearly 80 percent of villages declaring themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus.

Shekhawat stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, showcasing successful collaborations in other sectors and advocating for similar initiatives in water and sanitation.

Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair of India Sanitation Coalition, highlighted the role of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in India’s progress. Kidwai praised SBM’s accomplishments, noting the imminent sanitation revolution and strides towards universal toilet access. She also discussed the emerging focus on plastic waste and faecal sludge management.

R. A. Mashelkar, Former Director General Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, underscored the need for an Assured Framework for Actual Innovation in sanitation solutions. He emphasised affordability, sustainability, environmental friendliness, and user friendliness, advocating for integrating advanced technologies like AI and robotics.

The session concluded with  Mashelkar felicitating ISC-FICCI Sanitation Award winners, acknowledging their contributions to India’s sanitation challenges.