The Government of India has continued to strengthen urban sanitation and solid waste management through Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, launched in October 2021. The mission aims to achieve the vision of Garbage Free Cities by ensuring 100% door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, scientific processing of waste, used water management, and remediation of legacy dumpsites. The programme provides Additional Central Assistance (ACA) along with technical and managerial support to States and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for achieving sustainable urban sanitation outcomes.
Under SBM-U 2.0, the release of Central Share (CS) funds is linked to approved action plans submitted by States and Union Territories under various mission components, including:
The action plans are first approved by the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) and subsequently by the National Advisory and Review Committee (NARC) before central funds are released. Further installments are linked to utilisation of previous funds and physical progress achieved by States and UTs.
Since October 2024, SBM-U 2.0 has adopted the SNA-Sparsh framework, integrating:
This system enables fund releases based on actual claims and expenditure incurred by States and UTs, thereby enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management.As per available data, States and UTs have raised claims worth ₹811.36 crore under SBM-U 2.0 during the current year through the SNA-Sparsh mechanism.
The mission follows a robust financial monitoring framework through submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) by States and UTs. Out of ₹6,876 crore released under SBM-U 2.0, utilisation certificates amounting to ₹2,029.09 crore have already been received.The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India remains the constitutional authority responsible for auditing government accounts. However, no separate audit mechanism has been prescribed specifically for urban sanitation activities under the mission.
To improve urban cleanliness and support air quality management, 152 towns (including National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities and Urban Local Bodies with population exceeding five lakh) are eligible for additional central assistance for procurement of Mechanical Road Sweepers (MRSs).So far:
This initiative is expected to improve urban cleanliness, reduce road dust, and contribute to air pollution mitigation efforts.
India's urban areas currently generate approximately 1,62,468 tonnes per day (TPD) of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).Out of this:
This remarkable improvement reflects the creation of large-scale waste processing infrastructure across the country.
A total of 7,783 solid waste processing facilities have been established under the mission, including:
These facilities play a critical role in reducing landfill dependency and promoting circular economy principles in urban waste management.
One of the major objectives of SBM-U 2.0 is the scientific remediation of legacy dumpsites accumulated over decades.Key achievements include:
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Identified Dumpsites | 2,478 |
| Total Waste Identified | 25.04 Crore Metric Tonnes |
| Dumpsites Fully Remediated | 1,096 |
| Dumpsites Under Remediation | 986 |
| Waste Remediated | 15.20 Crore Metric Tonnes (61%) |
| Land Reclaimed | 7,903.47 Acres (52%) |
The reclamation of land from old dumpsites creates opportunities for developing urban green spaces, public infrastructure, and recreational facilities while reducing environmental hazards.
The progress under SBM-U 2.0 demonstrates India's transition from a sanitation-focused programme to a comprehensive urban waste management framework. Increased waste processing capacity, mechanisation of sanitation services, digital financial monitoring, and large-scale dumpsite remediation collectively contribute towards:
Updated – 11 December 2025 ; 07:35 PM | News Source: