ANNOUNCEMENTS
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Open Defecation Free (ODF) Sanitation Certifications like SBM-ODF+, SBM-ODF++ and SBM-Water+ are gaining a lot of traction with 4,273 cities acquiring an ODF status, declared and certified by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and now the focus has shifted to ensure the long-term retention and sustainable impact of the ODF status for all the Indian Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This research study is aimed at exploring the inclusivity and engagement of all vital stakeholders through their distinct roles and responsibilities in order to ensure the long-term success of the project.
In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the involved stakeholders/beneficiaries, the literature review spanned across 15 detailed project reports that focussed on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) which were used to classify and describe distinct roles and responsibilities for each identified vital stakeholder in order to synthesize key objectives and findings/learnings. The context gained from the existing literature would be beneficial in ensuring the practical implementation and realization of the SBM-U ODF Project through the development of a Strategic Implementation Framework or a Stakeholder-driven Planned Roadmap to enable the smooth operation and longevity of the project.
The expected outcome of this research paper is to promote stakeholder inclusiveness and engagement for the better implementation and operation of the SBM-U ODF Project through the realisation of a developed Strategic Implementation Framework or Planned Roadmap that adds value to the nation-wide project in the form of lowering operational costs, promoting cost recovery, eliminating time delays and lags with ensuring the utmost stakeholder satisfaction and contentment through a holistic approach of Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability/Feasibility.
Keywords: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Open Defecation Free (ODF), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), Strategic Implementation Framework, Sustainability.
