Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 
National

Swachh Bharat reduced to toilet counting: Expert

Terming Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) a ‘lost opportunity’, water and sanitation expert Gaurisankar Ghosh on Wednesday said it has been reduced to ‘a toilet counting programme’ and has failed to become a people’s movement.

migrator

Aurangabad

Ghosh, the first mission director of National drinking water mission, suggested that to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project Swachh Bharat Mission successful, linkage with major government programmes like Ganga Action Plan is important along with participation of the people. 

“The Prime Minister’s effort is sincere but SBM has remained just a government scheme,” he said addressing a Forum of Environmental Journalists in India (FEJI) and UNICEF organised WASH media workshop here. 

“SBM gives an impression that it is about total sanitation. But in reality, it is a toilet counting programme in a new birth. 

Ghosh, a retired IAS officer, was responsible for the global UNICEF operations during the period the first UNICEF water policy and strategy was prepared and even coined the term WASH – water, sanitation and hygiene. 

“It is sadly an opportunity lost. I was very excited when the SBM was launched because the Prime Minister came out publicly and was sincerely committed to do something,” Ghosh said.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

Finalise SOP for political meetings, roadshows by Jan 5, Madras High Court directs government

India defeat South Africa by 30 runs, clinch T20I series 3-1

Tamilisai bats for Vijay's 'evil force' remark

SIR: Don't fall for panic mongering, EPS justifies 'purging' of voters

Chennai Corporation issues vending certificates, fixes vending fees