The challenges posed by rapid urbanization are vast, and safe sanitation in urban India remains one of the most pressing concerns. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the shift from Open Defecation Free (ODF) to ODF++ is gaining significant momentum, with cities increasingly prioritizing the advancement of safely managed sanitation systems. In line with this objective, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, USAID, BMGF and the WASH Institute, is organizing a two-day workshop on 'Advancing Safe Sanitation in Urban Areas' on November 19-20, 2024, in Lucknow.

The theme for World Toilet Day 2024, "Toilets – A Place for Peace," highlights the importance of sanitation and sustainable solutions. MoHUA is hosting a two-day national workshop on "Advancing Safely Managed Sanitation in Urban Areas," bringing together experts in sanitation, toilet infrastructure, and Used Water Management.

At the National Knowledge Workshop in Lucknow, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlighted SBM’s achievements over the past decade. He emphasized PM Modi’s remarks on toilets improving public health, reducing infant mortality, and empowering women and girls. While acknowledging progress, he noted challenges due to rapid urbanization and called for diverse solutions. Launching the Clean Toilet Campaign 2024, he stressed that cleanliness is ongoing and urged stakeholders to maintain and repair toilets for safe sanitation.

 

 

Shri Tokhan Sahu, MoS, MoHUA, spoke on the Swachh Bharat Mission's sanitation journey that has become a part of our Sanskar and the importance of progressing towards ODF++. Speaking on the Clean Toilet Campaign 2024, Swachh Shauchalaya Humari Zimmedari initiative, he urged the States to ensure clean, safe, and accessible toilets. He acknowledged progress but emphasized the journey is ongoing, encouraging participants to share insights and learn from challenges.

On World Toilet Day, U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti lauded SBM’s impact on safe sanitation and empowerment of girls. Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma and Shri Amrit Abhijat highlighted India’s sanitation shift, worker safety, and UP’s progress with mechanization and daily toilet monitoring. While addressing the delegates at the National Workshop, Ms. Roopa Mishra, JS & MD, SBM, MoHUA, stressed on journey from access to safe sanitation to sustaining & strengthening the ODF journey and prioritizing cleanliness and maintenance of urban Toilets.

The Knowledge Workshop focused on safe sanitation access, with leaders from Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, USAID, BMGF, and the US Embassy discussing their partnership. Experts from Sulabh International, Toilet Board Coalition, and others addressed urban migration, community toilets, and sustainable sanitation. Sessions on "Manhole to Machine Hole" explored mechanization, empowering sanitation workers. MoUs were signed with HUL for a PPP model in community toilets and with Sulabh International for toilets in high-footfall areas. Design guidelines for STPs, faecal sludge management, multi-storey STPs, and PT architecture were also released. The dignitaries also toured the exhibition highlighting key initiatives of SBM-U 2.0, including Toilet 2.0, UWM, and Manhole to Machine Hole.

 

SBM-U rolled out a 5-week long ‘Clean Toilets Campaign 2024’ Swachh Shauchalaya- Humari Zimmedari from 19th November (World Toilet Day) to 25th December (Good Governance Day) 2024 aiming to transform over 70,000 Community and Public Toilets across the country, focusing on cleaning, maintenance, and beautification. The initiative promises to transform all public and community toilets in Urban India.

 

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