Cleanliness and effective waste management are increasingly recognized as key indicators of good governance. From improving public health to boosting economic efficiency, these practices reflect a government’s commitment to its citizens and sustainable development. India has embraced this principle through various transformative initiatives, demonstrating the powerful intersection of cleanliness and governance.
As highlighted at the 2001 UN-HABITAT Global Conference, a city’s cleanliness and waste management can serve as a proxy for good governance. India’s approach has evolved from basic sanitation efforts to comprehensive national campaigns.
A striking example of this transformation is the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. Under Special Campaign 4.0, a government-led initiative removed 12 tons of waste and repurposed the area to build a concrete road, improving accessibility and promoting sustainable development.
Special Campaign 4.0: Impacting Economy and Efficiency
The Special Campaign 4.0, a series of initiatives ongoing since 2021, embodies the government’s focus on institutionalizing cleanliness. Between December 2023 and July 2024, the campaign achieved notable results, demonstrating the link between cleanliness and economic efficiency. At Kandla Port in Gujarat, clearing auctioned cooling tower scrap freed up valuable space, streamlining port operations and improving cargo handling efficiency.
Flagship Programs Driving Change:
Several flagship programs are propelling India towards its cleanliness goals:
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA): Launched in 2014, the SBA has significantly improved sanitation infrastructure and public awareness across urban and rural India. As of December 24, 2024, 475,210 villages have solid waste management systems, and 514,102 have liquid waste management systems.
Waste to Wealth: This initiative promotes repurposing waste into valuable items. Examples like deer sculptures made from scrap in Ranchi showcase the potential of waste to generate value and promote sustainability. As of December 24, 2024, over 300,000 citizens have received waste management training, and over 800 technologies for waste conversion have been evaluated, with 80 already implemented.
Cyber Swachhata Kendra: As part of the Digital India initiative, this center focuses on creating a secure cyberspace by detecting and mitigating botnet infections, protecting end-users from cyber threats.
Cleanliness and waste disposal are more than just hygiene issues; they are powerful tools of governance. India’s structured campaigns, like the SBA and Special Campaign 4.0, demonstrate how cleanliness contributes to societal well-being, economic growth, and administrative efficiency.
