When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) on October 2, 2014, it symbolized a transformative vision for the country. It was a call for every Indian—politicians, citizens, and institutions alike—to come together and work towards a cleaner and healthier nation. Over the years, this mission has achieved commendable milestones, such as the construction of millions of toilets and a shift in public discourse on cleanliness. However, despite its success on paper, there remains a troubling gap between intent and execution. For many politicians, Swacch Bharat has become nothing more than a one-day annual ritual, a carefully staged photo opportunity that serves to appease Modi rather than the mission’s ultimate goal of a cleaner India.
Every Gandhi Jayanti, the same cycle repeats itself. Politicians, often dressed in spotless white kurtas, arrive with their entourages, pick up brooms, and pose for cameras while they sweep an already-clean patch of road. The photographs flood social media and newspapers, creating the illusion of participation and commitment. Yet, as the event concludes and the cameras stop rolling, these leaders often return to their lives, leaving the cause of cleanliness behind. This superficial engagement does a disservice to the spirit of Swacch Bharat and undermines the real, long-term effort required to achieve its objectives.
True cleanliness is not achieved through symbolism alone. The success of Swacch Bharat lies in sustained action, systemic reform, and a collective mindset shift. Unfortunately, the photo-op culture embraced by many politicians trivializes the scale of the challenge. India generates an estimated 150,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste every day. Of this, nearly 35% remains uncollected, while only 25% is scientifically processed. The remaining 40% is dumped in landfills or open spaces, leading to severe environmental and health hazards. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru struggle with garbage mountains—massive landfills that emit toxic gases, contaminate groundwater, and pose a serious risk to nearby communities.
Urban areas account for a significant portion of India’s waste problem, with their population generating approximately 62 million tons of municipal waste annually. Of this, around 5.6 million tons consist of plastic waste, much of which finds its way into water bodies, clogging rivers and oceans. Furthermore, electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a growing concern, with India generating nearly 1.6 million tons of it in 2022 alone. Improper disposal of such waste exacerbates pollution and endangers public health. Cleaning a single street or a locality for the sake of optics cannot resolve these deeply entrenched issues.
The real work of Swacch Bharat begins after the brooms are put away. It requires a commitment to systemic change, such as improving waste collection and disposal infrastructure, enforcing strict penalties for littering and illegal dumping, and implementing effective waste segregation at the source. Politicians, as leaders and policymakers, have a critical role to play in this process. However, their responsibility goes far beyond token gestures; they must ensure that the necessary policies, resources, and enforcement mechanisms are in place to address the root causes of India’s cleanliness challenges.
Moreover, the issue of cleanliness is not limited to garbage collection alone. It is intertwined with broader public health concerns, such as waterborne diseases, air pollution, and contamination of natural resources. Poor waste management contributes to these problems, exacerbating the burden on India’s healthcare system and endangering the lives of millions. For instance, the World Bank estimates that mismanaged waste leads to a loss of around $10 billion annually in health costs, productivity losses, and environmental degradation in India. Politicians who genuinely care about Swacch Bharat must look beyond the surface and recognize the interconnectedness of cleanliness, public health, and environmental sustainability.
At the same time, citizens have a crucial role to play in realizing the dream of a clean India. Far too often, people expect the government to clean up after them while continuing to litter thoughtlessly or neglect waste segregation in their homes. This mindset of apathy and entitlement must change. Cleanliness is not just the responsibility of municipal workers or government agencies; it is a shared duty that requires active participation from every individual. Citizens must take ownership of their surroundings, practice responsible waste disposal, and hold their elected representatives accountable for maintaining cleanliness in their communities.
The Swacch Bharat mission is not merely about cleaning streets or installing dustbins; it is about fostering a cultural shift. It seeks to instill a sense of pride, responsibility, and discipline among Indians, encouraging them to prioritize cleanliness as a way of life. However, for this cultural shift to take root, the example set by leaders is crucial. Politicians must demonstrate that they are personally committed to the cause, not just performing for the cameras. They must lead by example, ensuring that their actions align with their words and inspire others to follow suit.
One way to achieve this is by integrating cleanliness into the daily lives and routines of political leaders. Instead of participating in symbolic events once a year, they should actively monitor and address cleanliness issues in their constituencies on a regular basis. This could involve conducting surprise inspections of sanitation facilities, engaging with local communities to understand their challenges, and collaborating with experts to develop innovative solutions. Such actions would not only strengthen the Swacch Bharat mission
