Rajasthan

• 05 Dec 2024

Progress of Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen in Rajasthan

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti chaired a crucial review meeting to assess Rajasthan's progress and challenges in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G).

Key Points

• Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) & Rajasthan:
  • It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation.
    • The mission was implemented as a nation-wide campaign/Janandolan which aimed at eliminating open defecation in rural areas.
  • Rajasthan has demonstrated notable progress under the SBM-G initiative:
    • Ranked 10^th nationally for ODF (Open Defecation Free) Plus Model achievements.
    • 98% of villages in the state have been declared ODF Plus.
    • 85% of villages have successfully achieved ODF Plus Model status.
• Achievements:
  • Faecal Sludge Management (FSM):
    • Current Status: Only 114 blocks have completed FSM verification.
      • No rural Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) have been constructed yet.
    • Recommendations: Utilize urban resources effectively.
      • Finalize and implement a robust FSM policy.
  • Solid Waste Management (SWM):
    • Progress: 94% of villages are covered under SWM initiatives.
    • Recommendations: Ensure the proper functioning of segregation sheds and vehicles while connecting compost markets to enhance sustainability.
  • Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs):
    • Only one operational PWMU exists in rural Rajasthan, needing significant scale-up.
  • Grey Water Management (GWM):
    • Progress: 98% of villages have GWM systems in place, with saturation in remaining villages expected soon.
    • Focus Areas: Promote household soak pits for tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
  • Strengthen the role of self-help groups in driving sanitation initiatives.
• Tourism and Cleanliness:
  • Rajasthan was urged to combine its rich tourism heritage with cleanliness initiatives and adopt the Swachhta Green Leaf Rating program to demonstrate tradition and innovation can unite for sustainable sanitation.

Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) Program

• It is a government initiative to promote hygiene and sanitation in the hospitality sector.
• The SGLR program aims to improve the quality of life and public health by:
  • Ensuring world-class cleanliness and hygiene in hotels, resorts, and homestays
  • Improving the reputation of tourist destinations
  • Supporting local Gram Panchayats to achieve ODF Plus Model status