Asian Development Bank to give USD 200 mn loan for Swatch Bharat Mission 2.0

Current Context : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India signed a USD 200 million loan agreement to improve solid waste management and sanitation in 100 cities across eight states in India.

• Named as the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0-Comprehensive Municipal Waste Management in Indian Cities Program.
• Aim : upgrade and establish solid waste processing and management facilities such as bio-methanation plants, composting plants, managed landfills, material recovery facilities, and plastic waste processing facilities.

ABOUT ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

• It is a regional development bank established in 1966 to promote social and economic development in Asia.
• Headquartered in Manila, Philippines,
• Objective : provides loans, technical assistance, and grants to member countries for projects to reduce poverty and support sustainable development.
• Members: 68 member countries, including both Asian and non-Asian nations (India is a founding member of ADB and its fourth largest shareholder)

ABOUT SWATCH BHARAT MISSION

• Launched on October 2, 2014, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, with the goal of achieving a Clean India by 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Aim : to eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and promote cleanliness and hygiene.
• Components:
  • Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin): aiming to provide access to sanitation facilities and improve overall hygiene practices in villages.
  • Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) : aiming to improve waste management systems, ensure sanitation facilities, and promote cleanliness in cities and towns.
• Implementation Agencies: Ministry of Jal Shakti (rural) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (urban).