What is the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on toilet use in India

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Campaign) was launched in 2014 by the Indian government to promote cleanliness, improve sanitation facilities, and eliminate open defecation. While the mission initially witnessed positive results, a World Bank paper suggests that toilet use in India has been declining since 2018-19. Here are some key points regarding the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission on toilet use in India:

• The Swachh Bharat Mission successfully constructed millions of toilets across India, significantly improving access to sanitation facilities.
• The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of toilet use and the hazards of open defecation through various communication channels.
• While improved access to toilets was achieved, sustaining the behavioral change of using toilets was challenging.
• The decline in toilet use after the initial gains may be attributed to factors such as inadequate maintenance of toilets, cultural norms, lack of water, or poor sanitation practices.
• The complex nature of addressing behavioral change requires ongoing efforts in terms of education, awareness, and community participation.
• Efforts to address these challenges include initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II, which focuses on behavior change, solid waste management, and sustainability.

Overall, while the Swachh Bharat Mission made significant progress in improving access to toilets, ensuring sustained toilet use remains a challenge that requires continuous efforts and holistic approaches.