Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban: An Empirical Study with Special Reference to Punjab and Haryana

Abstract

The Swachh Bharat Mission, Urban (SBM-U) represents a major initiative by the Government of India to enhance urban sanitation, implement scientific solid waste management, promote public health, and improve overall quality of life. The mission aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by supporting sustainable, inclusive, and healthy urban development. This study assesses the implementation and impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban on health, sanitation, and social well-being in selected cities in Punjab and Haryana. Primary data were collected through interviews, field surveys, and direct observation of sanitation infrastructure and waste processing methods. The sample comprised 600 respondents, with 300 from Punjab and 300 from Haryana. Key indicators evaluated include access to household, community, and public toilets; prevalence of open defecation; door-to-door waste collection; segregation of waste at the source; environmental cleanliness; sanitation infrastructure; and citizen participation. The findings demonstrated significant progress in reducing open defecation and expanding sanitation services, leading to improved urban sanitation outcomes in both states. However, respondents in Haryana showed lower awareness of sanitation and waste management and less behavioural change toward cleanliness as compared to respondents in Punjab. The study recommends strengthening local governance, building institutional capacity, implementing continuous monitoring, and promoting long-term behaviour change to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Urban. These policy recommendations will advance urban sanitation and public health in accordance with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Urban in Punjab as well as Haryana.