Cabinet approves Swachh Bharat Programme for urban areas

"This is proposed to be implemented over 5 years starting from 2nd October, 2014 in all 4041 statutory towns. The total expected cost of the programme over 5 years is Rs. 62,009 crore, out of which the proposed Central assistance will be of  Rs. 14,623 crore," read a government statement.

"The programme includes elimination of open defecation, conversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, Municipal Solid Waste Management, bringing about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices, generating awareness among citizens about sanitation and its linkages with public health, strengthening of urban local bodies to design, execute and operate systems to fulfil these objectives and creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in capital expenditure and operational expenditure," it said.

It would cover 1.04 crore households, provide 2.5 lakh seats of community toilets, 2.6 lakh seats of public toilets and solid waste management facility for all towns.

Community toilets will be proposed in residential areas, where it is difficult to construct individual household toilets, public toilets will be constructed in designated locations such as tourist places, markets, bus stations, near railway stations and places of public recreation wherever required.

The scheme will be part of a joint Swachch Bharat Mission to be implemented for rural areas by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and for urban areas by the Ministry of Urban Development.

A National Advisory and Review Committee, headed by Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development and comprising of representatives of Finance and other concerned Ministries shall release funds, monitor and supervise the programme.

A High Powered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary at the State level would steer the programme in its entirety. Detailed guidelines shall be prepared by the Government of India separately.