Swachh Survekshan: an analysis of the survey methodology
Student name: Ms Sherry Pande
Guide: Prof. Prateek Sharma
Year of completion: 2018
Host Organisation: Karvy Database Management Services
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Aariz Qureshi
Abstract: Sanitation is one of the major pressing issues observed in the trend of urbanisation and decreasing land resources. India is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and this has led to non availability of basic health and hygiene facilities to people in the form of sanitation, health and hygiene. To address this problem, government launched Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The deadline of the mission is October 2019. The main objectives of the mission are to declare India ODF (Open Defecation Free) and attain cleanliness. To accomplish this mission, the government in 2016 launched the first edition of Swachh Survekshan (sanitation survey) which assessed 73 cities including 22 state capitals, followed by 2017 edition wherein 434 towns participated and is now being continued in its 3rd edition with the participation of a staggering 4041 statutory cities. The survekshan is also being conducted to foster a sense of healthy competition amongst the various participating ULB (Urban Local Bodies) by helping them set targets and accomplish the same in a timely manner. The survey has been touted as a jan andolan and uses a multi-pronged methodology to involve the participation of all stakeholders for making India ODF and providing better waste management and sanitation services. A lot of criticisms were levelled at the survekshan methodology for it being unsustainable in its approach by favouring a centralised approach. This work looks into the same and to trace the evolution of the methodology over its 3 editions that have been conducted.
Keywords: Swachh Bharat Mission, Swachh Survekshan, Solid waste management, sanitation, ULB, ODF, community, stakeholders
