Kolkata, Sep 1 (UNI) The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is the most significant cleanliness campaign by the Central Government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on October 2, 2014, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, which targets eradicating open defecation in India by 2019. This flagship programme of the Union government aims to realise the dream of a Clean India by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. “A clean India would be the best tribute India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birthday anniversary in 2019”, the Prime Minister had said after launch of the mission. Sanitation has emerged as a key issue since the 2011 Census highlighted e-glaring data on lack of toilets in the country by stating that over 26 million people in India defecate in the open. Launched with an estimated cost of around Rs 62,009 crore, Swachh Bharat Mission aims to achieve the elimination of open defecation in the country. Among its other objectives are conversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, putting an end to the inhuman practice of manual scavenging and carrying out Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). Launching the mission, Prime Minister had nominated nine famous personalities for the campaign. They joined the campaign and nominated nine more people. Thus, the momentum has been built with people from all walks of life joining it. Eminent personalities such as Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kailash Kher, Priyanka Chopra and leading sportspersons like Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom are part of the SBM. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has become a ‘Jan Andolan’ receiving tremendous support from the people. Citizens too have turned out in large numbers and pledged for a neat and cleaner India. Taking the broom to sweep the streets, cleaning up the garbage, focussing on sanitation and maintaining a hygienic environment have become a practice after the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. People have started to take part and are helping spread the message of ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness.’ MORE UNI BM SJC