Union Minister Reviews Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 Progress, Charts Future Path

The Minister emphasized the mission’s role in improving key public health indicators. “There is a direct link between sanitation and health,” he stated.

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, chaired a significant meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to review the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) and lay down a roadmap for its future implementation. The high-level meeting took place in the national capital on March 27, 2025.

The meeting brought together a wide array of stakeholders including the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, Secretary of MoHUA, Shri Srinivas Kathikala, Joint Secretary (SBM), Ms. Roopa Mishra, senior officials from the Ministry, and Members of Parliament from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

Opening Remarks and Visionary Address

In his opening address, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal commended the Swachh Bharat Mission for its profound and transformative impact on the urban sanitation landscape of India. He highlighted that cleanliness should be viewed not as a one-time initiative but as an ongoing civic responsibility that requires continuous innovation, community engagement, and infrastructural resilience.

The Minister emphasized the mission’s role in improving key public health indicators. “There is a direct link between sanitation and health,” he stated. “We have observed reductions in child mortality rates and improved access to sanitation facilities for women, especially in underserved areas. This not only ensures dignity but also empowers communities.”

He noted that the success of SBM-U 2.0 lies in a combination of robust infrastructure, behavioral transformation, and inclusive participation. Highlighting examples such as Indore and Surat, the Minister pointed out how community-driven initiatives and local government commitment can bring about lasting change. He called for replication of such best practices across all cities in India.

Presentation on SBM-U 2.0 Progress

Joint Secretary Ms. Roopa Mishra presented a detailed update on the mission’s progress. The presentation covered achievements under key pillars such as solid waste management, scientific waste processing, construction of individual and community toilets, fecal sludge and septage management, and capacity-building initiatives at the urban local body (ULB) level.

It was revealed that over 3,500 ULBs have now achieved ODF+ or ODF++ status, with a growing number moving toward Garbage-Free City (GFC) certification. Efforts are ongoing to increase waste segregation at source, implement Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and promote zero-waste practices.

Role of Innovation and Public Participation

The Minister reiterated the importance of adopting global best practices, including technologies for waste-to-energy, real-time waste tracking, and AI-driven sanitation monitoring systems. He encouraged city administrations to build future-ready infrastructure that can adapt to growing urbanization and environmental challenges.

Shri Manohar Lal also advocated for inter-city healthy competition through platforms such as Swachh Survekshan, which has become a powerful motivator for cities to improve their cleanliness rankings year-on-year.

Statements by Minister of State and Committee Members

Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the visible transformation in urban landscapes and the growing civic sense among citizens. “SBM has instilled a behavioral shift, especially among youth and women, making cleanliness a collective movement,” he said. He added that the mission has been vital in promoting public health and instilling a sense of civic duty.

Members of Parliament from across party lines shared their views, experiences, and recommendations. Suggestions ranged from enhancing funding for smaller ULBs, integrating SBM with climate-resilient urban planning, to improving awareness in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The Road Ahead

Concluding the session, Shri Manohar Lal welcomed the members' valuable inputs and assured that the Ministry is committed to transparency and accountability. An Action Taken Report (ATR) addressing the suggestions and recommendations will be presented in the next meeting to ensure progress tracking and informed decision-making.

He emphasized that SBM-U 2.0 is not just a government scheme but a citizen-led movement—a collective mission that symbolizes a new, cleaner, and more responsible urban India.

As India gears up to meet its Vision 2047 goals, the Union Minister reaffirmed that urban sanitation and cleanliness will remain at the heart of India’s growth, resilience, and sustainable development agenda.