Satyanarayanamma’s Sanitation Success in Ponnapalli
A fisherwoman’s efforts transformed her community in line with Swachh Bharat’s vision
(Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs)
September 24, 2024
In the heart of Narsapur town, Andhra Pradesh, lies Ponnapalli ward, a community once defined
by vulnerability and the prevalence of open defecation. A large slum population with limited
access to basic sanitation services had accepted open defecation as the norm. Yet, amidst this
environment, one woman, Satyanarayanamma, refused to accept the status quo. A fisherwoman
and mother of two, Satyanarayanamma, who is differently abled due to polio, became a force
of change in her community. Her personal experience with the illness made her deeply aware
of the importance of sanitation, driving her to make a difference not only for her family but for
the entire ward.
Satyanarayanamma’s journey
started when she joined the
Gender Forum, a local NGO
dedicated to raising awareness
about sanitation and hygiene
among women.
Alongside
other Forum members, she led
discussions on menstrual
hygiene, toilet usage, and
hand washing, working
tirelessly to engage her
neighbours in the battle for a
cleaner, healthier
environment. Initially, it was
very difficult to convince the
local community to adopt safe
sanitation practices and
maintain personal hygiene.
However, with local women
like Satyanarayanamma
leading the charge, the effort
slowly began to gain
momentum. Their sanitation audits and discussions on faecal sludge management and genderfriendly services helped address specific concerns, empowering the community to take charge.
Thanks to their tireless work, Ponnapalli ward achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, a
milestone for the town and an enduring testament to the power of grassroots mobilization.
This transformation coincides with the national Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata
(4S) campaign, launched to mark the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Running
from September 17 to October 2, 2024, the campaign highlights India’s ongoing efforts to foster
a culture of cleanliness and sanitation, echoing the goals of the annual Swachhata Hi Seva
movement. As the country builds up to Swachh Bharat Diwas on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth
anniversary, the stories of communities like Ponnapalli stand as powerful symbols of what can
be achieved when citizens unite for a common cause. The 4S campaign is not just about
maintaining cleanliness but instilling a sense of responsibility and pride in sanitation practices,
much like what Satyanarayanamma and her fellow women achieved in their ward.
The broader impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission is evident in its tiered achievements. As of
September 24, 2024, 4,576 cities across India are Open Defecation Free (ODF), meaning they
have successfully eliminated the practice of open defecation. Additionally, 3,913 cities have
achieved ODF+ status, indicating not only the elimination of open defecation but also sustained
toilet usage and proper maintenance of public and community toilets. Furthermore, 1,429 cities
have reached ODF++ status, showcasing advanced management of faecal sludge and septage,
ensuring efficient waste treatment.
In rural areas, the mission has also made significant strides, with 5,54,150 villages achieving
ODF Plus status, which indicates improved sanitation facilities and practices. Among these,
3,00,368 villages have been recognized as ODF Plus Model Villages, setting benchmarks for
others. Additionally, 1,30,238 villages have been verified as ODF Plus Model Verified Villages,
ensuring that they meet the stringent criteria for sustainable sanitation practices.
These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives transformed, healthier
communities, and the collective determination of individuals like Satyanarayanamma. Her
work in Ponnapalli ward mirrors the mission’s vision of a cleaner, healthier India, a vision that
continues to inspire change across the nation.
As the Swachh Bharat Mission enters its second decade, the success of the 4S campaign
promises to build on these achievements, ensuring that communities like Ponnapalli are not
just ODF but also equipped with the knowledge and resources to maintain their cleanliness and
hygiene for generations to come. Behind these impressive statistics are stories like
Satyanarayanamma’s—individual efforts that ignite collective action. The Swachh Bharat
Mission didn’t just build toilets; it reshaped mindsets. Satyanarayanamma’s journey shows that
true transformation goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about changing how people perceive and
practice sanitation. Her story is a reminder that sustainable change happens when communities
take ownership, fostering not only cleanliness but also a lasting sense of responsibility for their
health and environment.
References:
• https://sbmurban.org/storage/app/media/stories-of-change.pdf
• https://sbmurban.org/
• https://sbm.gov.in/sbmgdashboard/statesdashboard.aspx
Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Sheetal Angral/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia








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