CR Patil urges adoption of waste-to-wealth model; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stresses sanitation as core to India’s tourism growth
New Delhi, 23 September 2025: At the 9th ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards & India Sanitation Conclave 2025, senior government leaders emphasized the crucial role of industry, institutions, and communities in sustaining India’s sanitation journey and advancing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the gathering via video message, CR Patil, Minister of Jal Shakti, highlighted the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), under which more than 12 crore toilets have been built nationwide. “Phase II of SBM-G is focused on the ODF Plus model, which includes both solid and liquid waste management to build healthier, dignified villages. I urge industry and institutions to direct their focus towards adopting a waste-to-wealth model that can deliver sustainable solutions for the sector,” he said.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, in his video address, underlined the link between sanitation and India’s growing tourism sector. “If India is to rise as a global tourism hub, sanitation must become integral to tourism development. Clean and well-managed environments at temples, monuments, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries are not just essential for public health but also for creating memorable visitor experiences,” he noted. He stressed that modern sanitation and waste management practices at heritage and tourist sites can transform them into models of sustainability and national pride.
Ashok KK Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, said that the government is working with stakeholders and ISC-FICCI to design the framework for Swachh, Sujal, and Swasth villages. “The path forward will require stronger community participation, local government engagement, cost-effective technologies, and climate-smart solutions to ensure equitable access to safe sanitation and water,” he added.
Dr RA Mashelkar, Chair of the Awards Jury, stated that Swachh Bharat Mission Phase III will focus on sustaining ODF status, creating garbage-free spaces, integrating technology, and ensuring the dignity of Swachh Mitras.
Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, India Sanitation Coalition and Past President, FICCI, highlighted the need to strengthen resilience in coastal cities, given their population density and importance to India’s economy. Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, added that ISC is at the heart of India’s WASH ecosystem, driving sanitation as both a social and economic imperative.
The event also featured the announcement of the ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards 2025 and the release of a compendium showcasing impactful sanitation initiatives.
About India Sanitation Coalition (ISC):
India Sanitation Coalition, hosted by FICCI, is a multi-stakeholder platform working to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in India. It brings together government, corporates, academia, and civil society partners to foster collaborative, scalable solutions in sanitation.