Walk through any Indian city today, and you’ll see the remnants of two of India’s most ambitious missions. Mahatma Gandhi’s glasses adorn public toilets, a symbol of the Swachh Bharat Mission, while sleek smart kiosks and LED-lit streets hint at the Smart City Mission.

These initiatives have left an indelible mark on India’s urban and rural landscapes a decade after their launch. But as the missions near their conclusion, the question remains: Have they truly transformed India, or are they just glossy facades hiding systemic failures? 

Read in Hindi: स्वच्छता अभियान नए भारत का भव्य विजन हैं या अधूरे ख्वाबों की मृगतृष्णा...!

Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aimed to eliminate open defecation and instil a culture of cleanliness. On paper, the results are impressive: 100 million toilets were built, open defecation rates plummeted, and the number of people defecating along rivers like the Yamuna significantly dropped. Women in rural areas no longer have to venture out at night, and villages have witnessed a cultural shift toward sanitation. But scratch beneath the surface and the cracks are glaring. 

In rural India, 30 per cent of toilets are non-functional, according to a 2024 NSSO report, due to a lack of water supply and drainage systems. In cities like Agra, clogged drains and overflowing garbage bins are a common sight. “The mission focused on building toilets but ignored waste management. Without systemic changes, the impact is limited,” says Prof Paras Nath Chaudhary, a political commentator.   

The Smart City Mission, launched in 2015, promised to transform 100 cities into futuristic hubs of efficiency and sustainability. A decade later, cities like Indore and Mysore boast smart traffic systems, integrated command centres, and digital governance platforms. 

But the reality on the ground tells a different story. Traffic congestion and pollution remain rampant in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Green spaces have shrunk by 15 per cent in smart cities, according to a TERI report, leading to increased urban heat islands. “We have shiny roads and LED lights, but our sewage system collapses every monsoon,” says Rama Shankar, a resident of Indore. 

Social activist Indu from Mysore adds, “The mission focused on cosmetic changes rather than systemic transformation. Smart zones hide crumbling infrastructure and uncontrolled urban sprawl.” 

Smart city projects often operate in silos, with little coordination between departments. For instance, smart traffic systems fail to integrate with public transport networks, limiting their impact. 

Both missions have been plagued by delays and corruption allegations. A 2024 CAG report revealed that only 40 per cent of smart city projects were completed on time. Rapid urbanization has come at the cost of environmental sustainability. Urban heat islands have increased by 20 per cent in smart cities, and little effort has been made to promote renewable energy. 

Despite the challenges, both missions have achieved significant milestones. The Swachh Bharat Mission has improved access to toilets for over 500 million people, especially women and marginalized communities. The Smart City Mission has introduced modern urban planning concepts, setting the stage for future development. “These missions have brought sanitation and urban development to the forefront of national discourse. That, in itself, is a success,” says an urban planner.

Future initiatives must integrate eco-friendly practices and restore green spaces to combat pollution and heat islands. Involving citizens in decision-making can ensure projects address real needs. Mysore’s community-driven waste segregation model is a shining example. Transparent mechanisms and regular audits are essential to track progress and ensure accountability. 

The Swachh Bharat and Smart City Missions have laid the foundation for a cleaner, smarter India. But their legacy will depend on how we address the gaps. As India marches toward its 100th year of independence, the lessons from these missions must guide future initiatives. Only then can we turn the vision of a clean, smart, and sustainable India into reality. 

The missions have built the foundation – now it’s time to construct the edifice.