82
and public sanitation facilities. It was a foundational, yet critical, step towards a
basic standard of public hygiene, a necessary precursor to any broader environ
mental transformation.
However, as Abhishek highlighted early in our discussion, there was a noticea
ble disconnect. He observed that “the technologies on the ground, or the policy
implementation on the ground, is quite lacking”. This crucial gap between grand
intent and pragmatic execution became the driving force behind the mission’s
evolution. Now in its second, more sophisticated iteration, Swachh Bharat
Mission 2.0, the focus has pivoted dramatically from mere collection and trans
portation to the far more complex waste and wastewater processing domain.
This transition signifies a profound philosophical pivot: waste is no longer just
something to be removed, but a resource to be rigorously treated and, crucial
ly, reintroduced into the system for reuse. Abhishek’s expertise and insights
have played a significant role in shaping this transition. His work with state
governments and as a private consultant has been instrumental in bridging the
gap between scientific theory and practical, impactful solutions in India’s critical
waste sector.