Launched by: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS)
- Duration: From November 19 (World Toilet Day) to December 10 (Human Rights Day)
- Objective: Reaffirm India’s commitment to maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and promoting behavioral change for cleaner, healthier communities.
- Focus:
- Sustaining ODF Status: Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) targets ODF Plus villages, ensuring continued toilet usage and maintenance.
- Empowering Vulnerable Groups: Emphasizing the importance of toilets for dignity, equality, and public health, especially for women and girls.
- Theme: “शौचालय संवारें, जीवन निखारें” (Clean toilets, improve lives).
- Key Messages:
- Sanitation is vital for dignity and development.
- A bottom-up approach will drive long-term, sustainable behavioral change across all levels of governance.
- India renews its commitment to SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).
- Key Campaign Activities:
- Competitions: Rewarding best-maintained toilets (household and community level).
- Community Outreach: Events like “Ratri Chaupals” and WASH clubs to inspire change.
- Celebrating Sanitation Workers: Special dignity camps for workers.
- Social Media Engagement: Encouraging citizens to share sanitation success stories.
- Governance Participation: Events led by Chief Ministers, District Magistrates, and elected representatives.
- Goal: Improve sanitation infrastructure, promote pride in clean toilets, and encourage sustainable sanitation practices.
- Appeal from DDWS: Citizens are urged to work together to build sustainable sanitation solutions and continue the legacy of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
World Toilet Day
The annual United Nations observance since 2013 was first celebrated in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization.
Purpose:
- Celebrate Toilet Day.
- Raise awareness about people without access to safe sanitation.
Goal: Address the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6(SDG6): Water and sanitation for all by 2030