-
Business Consulting
Our business consulting specialists offer a comprehensive blend of strategic advisory services. We assess the business, industry, operating model, synergy, skill sets and vision of the organisation and recommend the way forward
-
Digital Transformation Services
Grant Thornton’s digital transformation services help traditional businesses digitalise their business models with cloud technology, IoT consulting, app development and more DigiTech solutions.
-
Human Capital Consulting
Our Human Capital Consulting team harnesses technology and industry expertise to assist in constructing adaptable organisations with transparency, fostering productive and value-driven workforces, and inspiring employees to engage meaningfully in their tasks.
-
Production Linked Incentive Scheme
Production-linked Incentive Scheme by the Indian government is aimed at boosting manufacturing. Grant Thornton Bharat offers varied services across sectors to help businesses avail of this scheme.
-
Public Sector Advisory
Our Public Sector Advisory team has focused streams, aligned with the core priorities of the Government of India. We are responsible for providing innovative and customized technical and managerial solutions.
-
Tech Advisory
We have amalgamated Digital Transformation, IT Advisory & Information Management and Analytics into a new offering, DigiTech.
-
Direct Tax services
Our tax specialists offer a comprehensive blend of tax services, tax litigation, regulatory and compliance services, helping you navigate through complex business matters.
-
Indirect Tax Services
Get tax services by leading tax firm Grant Thornton India. Our indirect tax services include consulting, compliance and litigation services for corporate, international and transaction tax
-
Transfer pricing services
Our transfer pricing services experts provide a range of services from provision of APA services to handling large global assignments including Country by Country reporting.
-
US Tax
At Grant Thornton, we help individuals and dynamic companies deal with US tax laws, which are one of the most complicated tax legislations across the world.
-
Financial Services - Tax
Best financial advisory services, tailored for small and large businesses by the experts having comprehensive knowledge of domestic laws and access to multifaceted tools to provide a valuable results.
-
Financial Reporting consulting services
Our experts have significant hands-on experience in providing IFRS/US GAAP services, end-to-end solutions and support services to fulfil financial reporting requirements.
-
Fund accounting and financial reporting
International operations often lack standardisation and have varied local reporting formats and requirements. Our experts can offer proactive insights, practical guidance, and positive progress and help meet regulatory timeframes.
-
Compliance and Secretarial Services
Our experts can assist in overhauling the entire compliance machinery of the organisation through evaluation of the applicable statutory obligations, monitoring of adequate governance controls, reporting and providing ongoing support.
-
Global People Solutions
As businesses transcend borders, both domestic and global considerations need equal attention. Our interim CFO and financial controller support services help organisations meet the business vision.
-
Finance and accounting outsourcing
Our accounting experts assist organisations in managing their accounting and reporting. Our dedicated Integrated Knowledge and Capability Centre (IKCC), allows us to service both the domestic and global markets efficiently and cost-effectively
-
Compliance Management System
We have automation solutions for you that will allow meeting government requirements and remain diligent, which when failed, can lead to penalties and loss in revenue.
-
IKCC: Grant Thornton's Shared Service Centre
The India Knowledge and Capability Centre (IKCC), aimed at delivering solutions by developing capabilities, has completed four years of its journey.
-
Global compliance and reporting solutions
At Grant Thornton Bharat, we meet the challenges of our clients and help them unlock their potential for growth. Our professionals offer solutions tailored to meet our clients’ global accounting and statutory reporting requirements. With first-hand experience of local reporting requirements in more than 145+ locations worldwide, we provide seamless and consistent international service delivery through a single point of contact.
-
Related Party Transactions Governance
Grant Thornton Bharat's comprehensive related-party transaction services ensure good governance by adhering to regulatory requirements, promoting transparency, and providing robust policies for compliance, documentation, and accountability in related-party transactions.
-
Private Client Services
Grant Thornton Bharat Private Client Services offers tailored advisory for family-owned businesses, focusing on governance, compliance, tax, succession planning, and family office structuring to sustain wealth and preserve legacies across generations.
-
GTMitra: Tax & Regulatory Tool
GTMitra, a specialised tax and regulatory tool by Grant Thornton Bharat, supports multinational businesses in understanding laws and regulations for effective growth strategies.
-
Labour codes
Labour codes solutions help you transition through the new legislation. At Grant Thornton, we help businesses divide their approach to make sure a smooth transition.
-
Alerts
At Grant Thornton India, with the help of our tax alerts, we help to provide updates on how to minimise your tax exposure and risks.
![554x544px Website Photographs 653](/globalassets/1.-member-firms/india/assets/pdf-images/554x544px/photograph/554x544px_website_photographs_653.jpg)
-
Cyber
In today’s time, businesses have gone through large transformation initiatives such as adoption of digital technologies, transition to cloud, use of advanced technologies et al.
-
Governance, Risk & Operations
Our Governance, Risk and Operations (GRO) services encompass Internal Audit, Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Financial Controls, IT advisory, Standard Operating Procedures and other services.
-
Risk analytics
Grant Thornton Bharat’s CLEARR Insights is a state-of-the art data analytics platform that will help you in seamless data analysis and efficient decision-making.
-
Forensic & Investigation Services
The team of forensic advisory services experts consists of the best intelligence corporate experts, and fraud risk, computer forensic experts to deliver most effective solutions to dynamic Indian businesses.
-
ESG consulting
Grant Thornton Bharat offers holistic ESG consulting solutions for sustainable business outcomes. With industry expertise and AI technology, we drive long-term value.
![554x544px_Website_Photographs_641.jpg](/globalassets/1.-member-firms/india/assets/pdf-images/554x544px/photograph/554x544px_website_photographs_641.jpg)
-
Transaction Tax Services
Our transaction tax experts understand your business, anticipate your needs and come up with robust tax solutions that help you achieve business objectives ensuring compliance and efficiency
-
Deal Advisory
Unlike other M&A advisory firm in India, we offer deal advisory services and work exclusively with controlled and well-designed strategies to help businesses grow, expand and create value.
-
Due Diligence
Grant Thornton’s financial due diligence services are aimed at corporate looking for mergers and acquisitions, private equity firms evaluating investments and businesses/promoters considering sale/divestment.
-
Valuations
As one of the leading valuation consultants in India, Grant Thornton specializes in all the aspects of the process like business valuation services, financial reporting, tax issues, etc.
-
Overseas Listing
Overseas listing presents a perfect platform for mid-sized Indian companies with global ambitions. Grant Thornton’s team of experts in listings, work closely with clients during all stages.
-
Debt & Special Situations Solutions
Grant Thornton Bharat offers specialist debt and special situations consulting services, including restructuring, insolvency, and asset tracing solutions.
-
Financial Reporting Advisory Services
Grant Thornton Bharat Financial Reporting Advisory Services offer end-to-end solutions for complex financial requirements, including GAAP conversions, IPO support, and hedge accounting advisory, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.
-
Financial Statement Audit and Attestation Services
Grant Thornton Bharat offers customised financial statement audit and attestation services, ensuring impeccable quality and compliance with global standards. Our partner-led approach, technical expertise, and market credibility ensure effective solutions for your business needs.
![Monthly GAAP Bulletin – August 2022](/globalassets/1.-member-firms/india/assets/pdf-images/554x544px/photograph/554x544px_website_photograph_358.jpg)
- Agriculture
- Asset management
- Automotive and EV
- Aviation
- Banking
- Education and ed-tech
- Energy & Renewables
- Engineering & industrial products
- FinTech
- FMCG & consumer goods
- Food processing
- Gaming
- Healthcare
- Urban infrastructure
- Insurance
- Media
- Medical devices
- Metals & Mining
- NBFC
- Pharma, bio tech & life sciences
- Real estate and REITs
- Retail & E-commerce
- Specialty chemicals
- Sports
- Technology
- Telecom
- Transportation & logistics
- Tourism & hospitality
-
Article Agriculture and Budget: Immediate compulsions and long-term visionGovernment focuses on sustainable agriculture, digital infrastructure, and market intelligence to enhance productivity and global competitiveness in agriculture.
-
Media article Union Budget 2024 expectations: Building resilience for consumer industryUnion Budget 2024 expectations: Building resilience for consumer industry
-
Thought Leadership Grain to gain: Impact of corn on India’s biofuel revolutionExplore Grant Thornton insights on unlocking India’s Energy Potential on Corn-Based Ethanol as a sustainable fuel solution.
-
Case study Transforming agriculture: The rise of Drone DidisDiscover how Grant Thornton Bharat's Drone Didis initiative empowers rural women and transforms agriculture with drone technology. Learn more about this success.
-
India-UK
India-UK
![insight featured image](/globalassets/1.-member-firms/india/new-homepage/media/1.-hero-banners_repeat-visits/1440x600px_hero_banner_shutterstock_1493044334.jpg)
Abstract
This article explores how the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban has significantly contributed to localising the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Indian cities. By focusing on urban sanitation, waste management, and public health, the SBM has laid a foundation for sustainable urban development, particularly aligning with Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation. This article discusses how SBM Urban is localising the Local Agenda 2030 by integrating its toolkit indicators with the SDGs. It highlights various initiatives and their impacts on cities like Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, Ambikapur, Bhopal, and Lucknow, illustrating the diverse approaches to achieving SDG targets.
Introduction
The SBM, launched in 2014, has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to improve urban sanitation and hygiene. Its primary objective is to eliminate open defecation and manage solid waste effectively. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U) has been transformative in promoting sustainable development practices across India’s urban areas. Launched in 2014 by the government of India, the mission’s primary goals include the elimination of open defecation and the scientific management of municipal solid waste. By aligning these goals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SBM-U has played a pivotal role in localising the Local Agenda 2030. This comprehensive approach addresses several SDGs simultaneously, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
The SBM-U initiative encompasses several components designed to achieve its objectives, including Jan Andolan (public participation), certification of cities based on cleanliness standards, and continuous monitoring of service level progress. These components ensure that the mission remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of urban sanitation and waste management.
One of the mission’s standout features is Jan Andolan, or public participation. This approach has transformed SBM-U into a people-centric movement, with widespread citizen involvement in sanitation drives and waste management practices. In Indore, Jan Andolan has effectively mobilised communities to take ownership of their environment, fostering a culture of cleanliness that transcends government initiatives. This widespread participation has been instrumental in maintaining the momentum of SBM-U and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
City certifications based on cleanliness standards have further incentivised local governments to improve their sanitation infrastructure and service delivery. The certification process evaluates cities on various parameters, including open defecation-free (ODF) status, solid waste management, and overall cleanliness. This competitive framework has created a healthy competition among cities, driving them to continually enhance their sanitation practices and infrastructure. For instance, Indore has consistently ranked top in Swachh Survekshan, India’s annual cleanliness survey, due to its comprehensive waste management practices and public participation initiatives.
Service level progress monitoring has been another critical component of SBM-U, ensuring that urban local bodies (ULBs) maintain high standards of sanitation. This includes tracking the implementation of door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, and the establishment of waste treatment facilities. The progress is regularly reviewed, and cities are provided with feedback to address any gaps in their sanitation efforts. This continuous monitoring has ensured that cities like Gandhinagar remain accountable and committed to the mission’s goals.
The mission has also placed significant emphasis on the scientific processing and disposal of waste. This involves the establishment of facilities for composting, recycling, and converting waste to energy. For example, Surat has excelled in service level progress adherence, revenue generation from wastewater reuse, and beautification projects like biodiversity parks. These facilities not only manage waste effectively but also generate economic benefits by creating employment opportunities and producing valuable resources, such as compost and energy.
Sanitation worker safety has been a crucial focus area under SBM-U. The mission has introduced initiatives like the Safaimitra Suraksha challenge, which promotes mechanisation and safety in sanitation work. These initiatives aim to eliminate hazardous manual scavenging and ensure safe working conditions for sanitation workers. By providing workers with protective gear and mechanised equipment, SBM-U has significantly improved their safety and dignity.
The mission’s impact on sustainable urban development is evident in several cities across India. Navi Mumbai, for instance, has implemented innovative waste management practices, including a dry waste bank in schools and renewable energy initiatives, such as e-charging stations and solar power systems. These initiatives have not only enhanced the city’s waste management capabilities but also promoted sustainable energy use and environmental conservation.
Ambikapur’s decentralised waste management system and community engagement campaigns have set a benchmark for other cities. The city’s waste management model involves segregating waste at source, composting organic waste, and recycling inorganic waste. This approach has significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills and has created economic opportunities for the local community.
The integration of technology has also been a critical success factor for SBM-U. For example, Bhopal has used GIS mapping for route optimisation in waste collection, ensuring efficient and timely collection of waste. The city has also partnered with private enterprises to set up advanced waste processing facilities, which have enhanced its capacity to manage waste scientifically.
Lucknow’s comprehensive waste management system and community engagement programmes have significantly improved the city’s cleanliness and public health standards. The city has implemented door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, and the establishment of waste processing facilities. Community engagement initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and educational programmes, have further strengthened the city’s sanitation efforts.
One of the notable achievements of the SBM-U is the remediation of legacy waste sites. These sites, often referred to as dumpsites, have accumulated waste over several decades and pose significant environmental and health hazards. Under SBM-U, cities have undertaken the remediation of these sites by converting them into green zones or scientifically capping them to prevent further pollution. Indore has transformed its legacy waste site worth more than INR 300 crores into a 100-acre city forest and reclaimed 35 acres of land for setting up various waste management facilities under the PPP mode. This initiative has not only reclaimed valuable land but also reduced the environmental impact of legacy waste.
In terms of economic impact, the SBM-U has also focused on improving working conditions for sanitation workers through initiatives like the Safaimitra Suraksha challenge, which promotes mechanisation and safety in sanitation work. Furthermore, the mission has encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation in waste management by supporting start-ups and local businesses that develop sustainable waste processing technologies. These efforts have created new economic opportunities and contributed to the overall economic development of urban areas.
The mission’s comprehensive approach, which includes public participation, stringent monitoring, and the promotion of sustainable waste management practices, has set new benchmarks in urban sanitation. By aligning with multiple SDGs, the SBM-U not only enhances urban sustainability but also improves the quality of life for millions of urban residents. The mission’s success stories from cities like Indore, Surat, Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai, Ambikapur, Bhopal, and Lucknow serve as inspiring examples of how collaborative efforts can lead to significant improvements in urban sanitation and sustainability.
SDG | Components and indicators |
SDG 1: No poverty |
|
SDG 3: Good health and well-being |
|
SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation |
|
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth |
|
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
|
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production |
|
Case studies and achievements
Indore | A model of urban sanitation excellence |
|
|
Surat | Focusing on beautification and resource utilisation |
|
|
Navi Mumbai | Innovations in waste management |
|
|
Ambikapur | Community-driven sanitation |
|
|
Bhopal | Integrating technology and innovation |
|
|
Lucknow | Enhancing urban cleanliness |
|
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 launches National Behaviour Change Communication Framework for Garbage Free Cities; 29 APR 2022 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1821417)
References
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org))
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, 2023. Swachh Survekshan 2024 Toolkit.
- Press Information Bureau. “Swachhotsav 2023International Day of Zero Waste.” March 29, 2023 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1911768 ).
- Press Information Bureau. “Planning and Implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0.” July 31, 2023 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1944255).
- Press Information Bureau. “8th edition of World’s Largest Urban Cleanliness Survey Begins.” June 27, 2023 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1935570).
- Press Information Bureau. “Remediation of Legacy Waste Dumpsite.” April 6, 2023 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1914186).
- Press Information Bureau. "Impact of SBM-U and AMRUT." December 19, 2022 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1759593).
- Press Information Bureau. "Schemes for Urban Poor." December 19, 2022 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1884871).
- Press Information Bureau. "Bi-monthly Newsletter of SBM-U 2.0 launched virtually." April 11, 2023 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1915492).
- Press Information Bureau. "Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 launches National Behaviour Change Communication Framework for Garbage Free Cities." April 29, 2022 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1821417).