'Swachh Bharat' helped reduce ground water contamination: UNICEF

The Swachh Bharat initiative of the government has led to reduced ground water contamination. A study by the UNICEF said the substantial reductions may potentially be attributed to the improvement in sanitation and hygiene practices. 

It said, supportive systems such as regular monitoring and behaviour change messaging, which have all been critical aspects of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), also helped reduce ground water contamination.

While another study by Gates Foundation said that Swachh Bharat leverages 23 thousand crore rupees for behaviour change.

These studies were aimed at



assessing the environmental impact and communication footprint of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said Swachhata affects all aspects of the environment - be it groundwater, surface water, soil or air - as well as health and well-being of the communities in ODF regions. 

He praised the Swachh Bharat Mission for bringing a reduction in ground water contamination. He said, the WHO 2018 study had estimated that the Swachh Bharat Mission will save over three lakh lives by the time India is Open Defacation Free.