Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014 under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has redefined India’s approach to sanitation and public health. Achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across rural India by 2019 was a momentous milestone. Yet, our journey toward an immaculate, healthy, and sustainable India continues with renewed commitment and deeper engagement.

 

The Lighthouse (LHI) Initiative, commissioned by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, is a key intervention for the sanitation ecosystem, implemented in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. It was piloted in 75 GPs/villages across fifteen states in its first phase. LHI is grounded in the principle of Inclusive Sanitation and Leaving No One Behind.

 

The Initiative is aimed to effectively implement solid and liquid waste management infrastructure in the villages of the 75 GPs, employing a participatory and consultative approach. It mobilises village communities, corporates, implementing partners, district & block administrations, and village or Gram Panchayat officers to work collaboratively for the development of the village development plan.

 

In phase I- India Sanitation Coalition (ISC)-FICCI, in collaboration with partners like ITC, JSW Foundation, Ambuja Cement Foundation, HCL Foundation, TATA Trust, Nayara Energy, and Aga Khan Foundation successfully implemented this ambitious project across 75 Gram Panchayats in 15 states, demonstrating scalable and impactful sanitation solutions.