MoHUA Launches 'Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao' Initiative

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the 'Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao' (SABB) initiative, aimed at enhancing the preparedness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to tackle cleanliness and health challenges during the monsoon season.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has introduced the 'Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao' (SABB) initiative
This initiative is under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. Running from July 1 to August 31, 2024,
Aims to enhance the preparedness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in tackling cleanliness and health challenges during the monsoon season.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's 'STOP Diarrhoea Campaign',

Key objectives include:

Improving sanitation and hygiene in urban areas
Reducing the prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases
Enhancing inter-departmental convergence for comprehensive health management

Implementation Strategies and Activities

The SABB initiative focuses on comprehensive interventions in swachhata (cleanliness), advocacy, and inter-departmental convergence. ULBs are expected to implement various activities, including:

a) Cleanliness Drives:

Special cleanliness campaigns
Regular cleaning of community and public toilets
Efficient waste collection and transportation

b) Water Management:

Adequate sampling of water quality
Ensuring safe drinking water supply
Maintenance of water works

c) Community Engagement:

Training local communities and government officials on water management, sanitation, and hygiene
Partnering with NGOs and private sector for reinforcing hygiene messages
Conducting awareness events on diarrhoea management

d) Preventive Measures:

Rapid assessments to identify high-risk areas
Adoption of Protect Prevent Treat Strategy (PPTS)
Improved coordination and monitoring among departments

e) Post-Monsoon Planning:

Developing strategies for post-monsoon maintenance
Integrating long-term solutions for recurring monsoon-related issues

The initiative emphasizes community involvement, public awareness, and education. It also focuses on improving facilities for sanitation workers and promoting rainwater harvesting. By combining these diverse approaches, the SABB initiative aims to create a comprehensive strategy for managing monsoon-related health and sanitation challenges in urban areas.