Key findings of the study:
- The Swachh Bharat initiative has led to reduced ground water contamination.
- The substantial reductions may potentially be attributed to the improvement in sanitation and hygiene practices.
- Supportive systems such as regular monitoring and behaviour change messaging, which have all been critical aspects of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), also helped reduce ground water contamination.
Present status:
- Swachh Bharat Mission is in the final stretch of its completion with 30 States and Union Territories already having declared themselves free from open defecation.
- Now it is focusing on extending the momentum to the ODF-plus phase which includes solid and liquid waste management.
- According to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural sanitation coverage in the country had crossed the 99 % mark.
- Earlier, the WHO 2018 study had estimated that the Swachh Bharat Mission will save over three lakh lives by the time India is Open Defacation Free.
