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Phase-3 of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) will be towards waste to wealth with focus on circular economy: Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, GoI
Nov 27, 2024
NEW DELHI, 27 November 2024: Mr Ashok KK Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Govt of India yesterday while highlighting the journey of Swachh Bharat Mission said that we are now embarking on phase-3 of Swachh Bharat Mission Rural. “Phase-3 would be targeted at waste to wealth but the context of waste to wealth is basically entering into circular economy phase when the climate resilience for sustainability will have to be accounted for as well.” he added.
Addressing the 8th ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards & India Sanitation Conclave 2024, the Secretary added that going forward, we need to think in terms of circular economy and in this, we need to work on how circularity can work on a sustainable basis in WASH sector. This is going to be critical for all of us. “While we think about circularity, we need to think about sustainability aspects as well and this is possible if we have a possible business model for handling sanitation and water related issues in the rural areas,” he emphasized.
Mr Meena further stated that the journey of building toilets and safe drinking water provision through piped connection in every household started few years back and both these initiatives are now maturing. “We are entering into a phase where we want these initiatives to be a reality on a sustainable basis. Innovation will become critical in making a business models sustainable,” noted the Secretary.
He further added that the Light House Initiative (LHI) phase 1 was a good learning example and LHI phase-2 is currently under implementation. Phase 3 of LHI can possibly be designed in association with all stakeholders, including industry. “Together we can transform challenges into opportunities and make sanitation an enduring part of India's development story. By 2047, we envision India as a developed country, and sanitation and water sustainability will be the key aspects of this achievement,” stated Mr Meena.
Mr Jitendra Srivastava, JS & MD (SBM), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation said, “Innovation is an area where we look forward to collaborating with the corporate partners and industry, as all of you play a vital role in driving this initiative forward. We value your partnership, which are crucial to the success of the Swachh Bharat campaign. We have a clear vision for the corporate sector to drive innovation in the sanitation sector.”
Mr Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, President, FICCI said, “Businesses must recognize the pivotal role they play in addressing water and sanitation challenges, not just as a fluctuating effort, but as a core business priority aligned with long-term sustainability goals. CSR funding has proven instrumental in meeting immediate infrastructure needs, fostering innovation in sanitation technologies, and advancing policy advocacy. It is heartening to see many companies now shifting their perspective, viewing WASH not merely as a CSR obligation, but as an opportunity to create shared values.”
Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Past President, FICCI and Chair, India Sanitation Coalition said, “There is an urgent need to understand and improve resilience in WASH infrastructure and services to withstand the increasing threats posed by climate change. We seek to forward the discourse on climate-resilient waste management and sanitation management infrastructures and services, circular economy, accelerating decarbonization in India, and WASH financing.”
ISC-FICCI Sanitation Award 2024 were announced during the event. The ISC-Compendium in partnership with Grand Thornton was unveiled during the conclave.
List of Awardees:
8th ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards
1. Best Corporate Initiative in Sanitation - HDFC Bank Parivartan
2. Best Non–Profit Engagement Model in Sanitation (URBAN) - Aga Khan Foundation
3. Best Non–Profit Engagement Model in Sanitation (RURAL) -Sehgal Foundation
4. Best Communication in Sanitation - OneEarth Foundation
5. Best Innovative Financial Accessibility Model for WASH: Impact, Downstream, and Upstream investors: Nabsamruddhi Finance Limited
6. Best Engagement Model in Sanitation by a Social Enterprise/Start-up - JK Nanosolutions Private Limited
7. Special Recognition Award for the Government- Commissionerate of Rural Development (Gujarat)
8. Best Model in Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM)- Municipal Committee Leh and Blue Water Company
9. Best Initiative in Sanitation for Empowering Sanitation - Jagran Pehel
10. Women Changemakers in Sanitation - Ms. Sonam Ratubha Sodha, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Himalayan Hemp Industries.
11. Best initiative in Plastic Recycling & Waste Management by SME/MSME - Rhino Machines Private Limited
12. Best SHG model in livelihood for WASH - Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS)