Ensuring cleanliness at India's major pilgrimage sites: Lessons from Mahakumbh 2025

The upcoming Mahakumbh 2025 presents an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of cleanliness initiatives at India's pilgrimage sites, notably under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Critics of government overreach argue that while government initiatives have laid the groundwork, the future of sustainable sanitation lies in fostering a culture of personal responsibility and leveraging private sector innovation and efficiency. By encouraging private investments and public-private partnerships, India can achieve not only cleaner pilgrimage sites but also a successful model of government facilitation rather than government dependency, ensuring cleanliness through market-driven solutions and civic engagement.

As India gears up for Mahakumbh 2025, the successes and shortcomings of the Swachh Bharat Mission provide critical lessons. The initiative, while highlighting the importance of cleanliness at pilgrimage sites, underscores the essential role of government intervention in ensuring public health and equitable access to sanitation facilities. Critics argue that while strides have been made, the focus on infrastructural development must not overshadow the need for ongoing public engagement and empowerment in hygiene practices. The government's role in not only providing but also in educating and mobilizing communities is paramount for sustainable cleanliness and health outcomes.