Swachh Bharat

Introduction

India stands today as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, positioned as an emerging global powerhouse. With a projected GDP growth of 6.4% by the end of 2015 and the status of the fourth largest energy consumer, the country’s rapid development brings with it increasing environmental challenges—rising greenhouse gas emissions, climate change concerns, depletion of natural resources, and loss of biodiversity. These issues impact not only the present generation but also those to come.

Environmental Challenges in a Growing Economy

1. Climate Change and Resource Depletion

Industrial expansion and heightened economic activity have contributed to rising carbon emissions. As India continues to develop, immediate action is essential to minimize long-term risks such as:

• Environmental degradation
• Resource depletion
• Biodiversity loss
• Radioactive and industrial waste generation

Future generations will inherit the consequences of the decisions made today, making sustainable development crucial.

2. Impact of Urban Lifestyles

Urban living significantly increases the nation’s carbon footprint. Daily activities—including travel, energy consumption, and food choices—depend heavily on fossil fuels. Every individual action leaves behind a measurable environmental impact. Assessing and reducing these carbon footprints is key to fostering a low-carbon, eco-friendly lifestyle.

3. Need for Renewable Energy and Community Action

Beyond carbon emissions, India faces challenges such as land-use pressure, congested transport networks, and local air pollution. These issues are strong drivers for shifting away from conventional energy sources like coal.
While regulatory bodies work on national-level policies, community-based programmes are essential to:

• Identify local environmental issues
• Encourage public participation
• Promote waste reduction and cleaner living
• Create sustainable, locality-specific solutions

The Importance of Sanitation

Sanitation plays a vital role in determining public health outcomes. Poor sanitation leads to waterborne diseases, intestinal infections, and malnutrition—issues that particularly affect children.
Given India’s size, population, and diverse hydro-geological conditions, improving sanitation is an enormous but necessary challenge.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Campaign)

Launch of the Mission

On 2 October 2014, the Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission, a nationwide movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness. The initiative aimed to be the most fitting tribute to Gandhiji on his 150th birth anniversary in 2019.

The Prime Minister urged every citizen to devote at least 100 hours every year—about two hours a week to cleaning activities.

Mission Goals

The primary goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission was to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2 October 2019.
Key initiatives included:

• Construction of household and community toilets
• Solid waste management systems
• Liquid waste management systems
• Widespread behavioural change campaigns

The mission functions through two sub-missions:

• Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) – Rural sanitation
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) – Urban sanitation and waste management

Philatelic Initiative – Stamp Design Competition

The Department of Posts organized an All India Stamp Design Competition on the theme “Clean India”.
The selected entries formed the basis for:

• A set of three postage stamps
• A miniature sheet
• A First Day Cover (FDC)
• A brochure

The top three designs were awarded, celebrating citizen participation in shaping this important national message through philately.