Inviting Ideas for Next Phase of Rural Sanitation

In the last 12 years, SBM(G) has evolved from a sanitation programme into a nationwide movement that has improved public health, enhanced dignity of women, empowered communities and promoted sustainable rural development. Building on the achievement of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, SBM(G) 2.0 has expanded its focus to sustaining sanitation outcomes through interventions such as Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs), Solid and Liquid Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, Faecal Sludge Management, GOBARdhan, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Capacity Building. The current phase of the Mission is scheduled to conclude in March 2027.

As the Department prepares the roadmap for the next phase of rural sanitation, it seeks ideas from citizens to sustain and strengthen the gains achieved under SBM(G) while addressing emerging challenges related to waste management, resource recovery, environmental sustainability, Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and long-term community ownership of assets and outcomes. Innovative, practical and scalable solutions are required to enhance sanitation service delivery, strengthen waste management systems, promote behavioural change and accelerate the transition towards a circular waste-to-wealth economy. Given that the diversities of rural areas from urban cities, suggestions and ideas, specific to rural scenarios will be highly appreciated. Along with these, with peri-urban areas / villages also growing fast and having characteristics of urban centers, solutions specific for such areas are also being sought.

The success of SBM(G) has been driven by the spirit of Jan Bhagidari (People's Participation). Citizens, Gram Panchayats, SHGs, youth, Swachhagrahis and other stakeholders have been at the forefront of transforming rural sanitation and their continued participation will remain critical for sustaining these achievements. 

Accordingly, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with MyGov, invites citizens, youth, Gram Panchayats, SHGs, academic and research institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to share their suggestions and ideas for the next phase of rural sanitation programme on the following:

1. Areas to be taken up (including existing areas where gaps may be remaining)
2. New technological interventions for SWM, GWM, FSM.
3. Rural Sanitation 
4. Solutions for treating pollution in small nallahs/rivulets discharging into rivers in rural areas.
5. Adoption of solutions based on traditional knowledge and ancient wisdom in new settings for rural India. 
6. Any other area related to the programme.

The suggestions received will help and guide the next phase of SBM(G) and contribute to building cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable villages that will be strong contributors for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Participation Guidelines 

1. All Citizens, youth (including students), Gram Panchayats & SHGs, academic and research institutions, development partners, NGOs and other stakeholders are invited to contribute ideas for shaping the next phase of rural sanitation and solid-liquid waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
2. For detailed information about SBM(G) Phase II, applicants may visit the SBM(G) Phase II operational guidelines available on website of the Department (https://swachhbharatmission.ddws.gov.in). The guidelines can also be assessed through: https://swachhbharatmission.ddws.gov.in/sites/default/files/Guidelines/SBMG%20Phase-II%20Operational%20Guidelines.pdf 
3. Suggestions may be submitted on any of the major components of SBM(G), including Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs), Solid Waste Management, Liquid Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, GOBARdhan, Faecal Sludge Management, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Capacity Building. Global best practices forming the bases of solution, may also duly mentioned and referred.
4. Participants are encouraged to propose innovative, technology-driven, scientific, managerial, practical, feasible and scalable solutions to address rural sanitation challenges and strengthen long-term sustainability.
5. Suggestions should focus on supporting the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in developing the roadmap for the next phase of rural sanitation for India.
6. Participants are required to register on the MyGov platform and submit their suggestions through the prescribed online form.