Sustainable Urban Waste Management: A Policy Analysis of Swachh Bharat Mission in Surat, India

Abstract

The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, aims to improve sanitation and waste management across India. This study evaluates its effectiveness in Surat, Gujarat, focusing on household participation in waste segregation. A survey of 375 respondents using an 18-question scale identified four key factors influencing the mission's success: government and community involvement, hygiene and quality of life, awareness and adoption, and infrastructure. The findings suggest that the mission has positively impacted waste management practices in Surat, with structured collection mechanisms and policy support driving improvements. However, challenges persist, including inadequate disposal infrastructure, inconsistent public awareness, and resistance to behavioural change. While metropolitan areas have adopted better waste management techniques, semi-urban and high-density areas still face issues like unauthorized dumping and inefficient waste handling. Local government bodies should focus on these critical determinants to enhance the mission's effectiveness and address ongoing challenges in waste management.