Can sanitation program make India clean and clear?

• Mahatma Gandhi's vision— A clean India. 
• Launch of 'Clean India Mission' 
• Aim of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. 
• Cleanliness and sanitation play an important role in the promotion of tourism. 
• The response of the public towards this campaign 
• Responsibility of citizens. 
• Some suggestions to improve cleanliness. 

The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi envisioned and dreamt of a clean India where sanitation, hygiene, and cleanliness were the indispensable components. The importance of cleanliness in his life can be judged by the fact that he considered 'sanitation ahead of independence'. 

In order to fulfill the long-cherished dream of 'Bapu, 'Clean India Mission' was launched across the country on 2nd October 2014. Shri Narendra Modi had aptly remarked that "A Clean India Campaign would be the best tribute that India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary in 2019".

The 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' aims to eradicate the problem of open defecation by the construction of toilets for households and communities, do away with manual scavenging and adapt better solid waste management techniques. Mr. Modi has rightly quoted that open defecation, especially by girls and women is a blot on our society. 

Besides, it was meant to create awareness about the importance of cleanliness among the masses. On the day of its launch, the 'Cleanliness drive' was received with a positive note across the different segments of society with locals, students, politicians, industrialists, celebrities contributing their share. 

'A seed of thought' about cleanliness and its importance was planted in the minds of millions of Indians. In no time 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' became a topic of households as well as national discussions. A country that shied away from talking about toilets and defecation was actually discussing these. 

This was definitely a positive step in the direction of 'Clean India Mission'. in their To take it one step further, the government introduced the rankings for the cleanest cities in 2016 with Mysuru bagging the first place followed by Chandigarh. This move of the government encouraged the cities and states across the country to work on the different areas of cleanliness and sanitation in the territory. 

Cleanliness and sanitation are known to play an important role in the promotion of tourism in India. India is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. It is home to picturesque locations, historical monuments, and splendid architecture, craftsmanship, and art. Besides our country is known for its hospitality all over the world. 

All the aforementioned factors definitely have a deep effect on tourists from all over the world. More tourism means more growth in our economy. Tourism contributes a major share of the GDP as well as adds on to the foreign reserves of the country. 

with the tourist visiting a particular place, there is a boost to the local craftsmen and economy of that particular area. All said and done, it is the unhygienic conditions at the most exotic tourist destinations that leave a bad impression on the mind of the tourists. 

Undoubtedly the official statistics and numbers released by the government agencies claim 'Swachh. Bharat Abhiyan' to be a success. But the success of any government program or scheme is directly proportional to the .response it receives from the public. In 1999, a drive similar to the 'Clean India Mission', 'Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan' was started with a similar mission and vision. However, it was doomed and was left merely as a 'name' in the records government.

India is our motherland and we owe a lot to it. We, the people of this nation, need to understand our social responsibility towards the country. No program or scheme can be a success without the active participation of the public in it, no matter which celebrity endorses it. 'Swachh Bharat' is not restricted to keeping the streets and public places clean. It has many more dimensions to it. People need to keep their surroundings clean whether it is their home, office or neighborhood. 

This can't be limited to a particular day and has to be practiced throughout the year. Every single effort in this direction counts. Cleanliness should not be left on sanitation workers only as their job. It has to be the mission of the 1.2 billion people of our country to make our motherland clean. It's not just the talking that will help in this case. 

With the government doing its part by providing funds and building infrastructure, it is on the people to cooperate with the government to make this mission a success. Social media platforms can be used wisely to highlight the small gestures and actions of cleanliness. 

Educated and literate people must make efforts to make their house and SUpport staff understand the importance of cleanliness and discourage their practice of open defecation. It is important for the people of lower strata to understand the ill effects of open defecation which involves the killing Of thousands of babies, the stunted growth of children and the spread of various diseases. Littering on the roadside, in the school, at the workplace, at home most be avoided. 

An hour so must be squeezed from our weekly schedule and this hour must be dedicated to the cleanliness of the surroundings. Parents, schools and educational institutions need to sensitize the children on different dimensions of cleanliness and encourage them to adopt healthy principles of sanitation. NGOs must actively participate in this drive and guide citizens with innovative methods of waste reduction. 

They can work in collaboration with different research institutes to come out with some innovative techniques. Celebrities and public figures must 'lead by example. 

As Modiji had remarked during his speech that 'Quit India, Clean India' was the half unfulfilled dream of Bapu. It becomes the moral duty of all the citizens and the government to work in collaboration to make India clean and fulfill the unfulfilled dream of Bapu.