Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

The MoHUA-led Safai Apnao Bimaari Bhagao campaign is gaining significant momentum across India, with the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, Sikkim, and Tripura taking a leap in enhancing health and sanitation, particularly ahead of the monsoon season. These States are actively engaged in preparing for the monsoon by focusing on cleanliness and disease prevention through a range of proactive measures.

Sikkim’s SABB campaign aimed at cleaning garbage-prone areas and preventing water and vector- borne diseases. Collaboration between students, officials, and SHGs promoted sanitation through source segregation and waste management related activities. In Gangtok, women-led SHGs mobilized people for waste management and intensive swachhata drive for monsoon preparedness and the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat, along with school students, organized a rain harvesting awareness rally. The Urban Development Department’s Nukkad Nataks highlighted waste segregation and the ban on single-use plastics, with new PET bottle shredding machines introduced by Team Swachh. The campaign engaged around 4,000 people in 100 cleanliness and 100 post-monsoon drives.

Similarly, Assam's campaign saw a strong emphasis on cleanliness and citizen involvement. ULBs like Gossaigaon and Chapar focused on drain cleaning and garbage removal. Bijni and Bakili hosted health checkups for SafaiMitras, and public areas were cleaned to eliminate open urination spots. Relief materials from the RRR Centres were distributed in flood-affected regions, and waste segregation training was conducted in various towns. The campaign involved approximately 5,500 people in 200 cleanliness drives and 40 rainwater harvesting activities, supported by 160 organizations and NGOs.

Tripura's focus was on daily waste collection and transportation, awareness on waste segregation and maintenance of CT/PTs with around 5,000 people participating in 150 cleanliness and 30 rainwater harvesting drives. ULBs such as Khowai, Kamalpur, Kailashahar, Jirania, and Agartala led drives in public places and near water bodies. Awareness programs and health camps for SafaiMitras were held, and school students conducted rallies to promote monsoon cleanliness. Efforts also included improving sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.

The Safai Apnao Bimari Bhagao campaign in Arunachal Pradesh is making impressive strides in improving sanitation and hygiene across the 47 urban notified towns. The campaign's comprehensive approach addresses various aspects of cleanliness—from managing garbage and waste collection to ensuring water quality and fostering inter-departmental coordination. Dirang and Jairampur have shown their commitment by regularly inspecting their water treatment plants, with on-site testing confirming that the water is safe for consumption. Other ULBs, such as Boleng and Ziro, actively participated in the campaign by conducting mass cleanliness drives to clean all garbage- vulnerable points. The MC team ensured the cleaning and maintenance of public toilets across various towns, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving public sanitation.

The proactive measures taken by the northeastern states in the Safai Apnao Bimaari Bhagao Campaign highlight their commitment to improving health and sanitation in preparation for the monsoon. Their extensive efforts set a strong example for others, demonstrating the critical importance of regional collaboration and active participation in safeguarding public health.