Swachh Bharat vs Reality: The Rise of #YeThikKarkeDikhao

Born on the internet but rooted in real streets, #YeThikKarkeDikhao is rapidly igniting public discourse across India. AI-generated comparison images are exposing the stark contrast between filthy public spaces and the promises made under the government’s “Swachh Bharat” mission. The message? “Thik karke dikhao — fix it and show us.” It’s not just an outcry for cleaner surroundings, but a direct challenge to systemic corruption, negligence, and lack of accountability.

What’s #yethikkarkedikhao ?

On X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms, #YeThikKarkeDikhao is trending as a grassroots anti-corruption hashtag. The call is simple: don’t just talk — act! Citizens are using it to highlight issues like clogged drains, broken water bodies, and piles of garbage in their localities.

It surged to #6 on X trending topics in a single day, and it’s continuing to pick up momentum across Instagram, Facebook, and more.

How does it work ?

Netizens are using AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and image generators to create “before vs after” images: what India’s streets actually look like versus what they should look like. These posts, tagged with #YeThikKarkeDikhao, are flooding platforms like X and Instagram.

Many go a step further — uploading real-life footage of broken roads, stagnant ponds, and overflowing garbage, tagging their local MLAs and MPs, demanding answers.

What about Modi’s Swachh Bharat promise?

Launched on 2nd October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was a national mission aimed at eliminating open defecation, improving solid waste management, and creating ODF (Open Defecation Free) villages.

Objective of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Here's a list of objectives of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:

• Promoting cleanliness and hygiene practices.
• Construction of household toilets to ensure access to sanitation facilities.
• Proper waste management including separation and disposal.
• Encouragement of public participation and community involvement.
• To achieve universal sanitation coverage across the country.
• To improve public health outcomes by reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Elimination of open defecation.
• Elimination of manual scavenging.

As quoted in The Economic Times, PM Modi once said during a 2014 visit to Japan:

“Endless talk about Japan’s cleanliness isn’t enough — we must make our cities just as clean, so that when foreigners arrive, they should say: 'India’s streets are as clean as those in Japan.'”

That vision pointed towards:

• Strict waste segregation and recycling.
• Barrier-free pavements and street design.
• Zero-littering culture in public spaces.
• Uniformity in urban architecture and signage.

But 10 years on, can we honestly say we've caught up to Japan?

Whether you support Modi and the BJP or not — this deserves scrutiny. It’s not about politics. It’s about performance. The reality on the ground paints a very different picture from the promises made.

Why is this also an anti-corruption campaign?

India has 13.9 crore registered taxpayers, and as of February 2025, 9.11 crore people filed ITR. We contribute:

• Over ₹17.8 lakh crore in direct taxes (income, corporate, etc.)
• Another ₹22.08 lakh crore in GST — with consistent 5–10% growth each year.

That’s a massive financial engine. Surely, a country this resource-rich should have clean streets, functioning drains, and decent basic infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.

But what we see instead:

• Broken roads.
• Waterlogged ponds.
• Blocked sewage.
• Mountains of uncollected garbage.

It’s not a money problem.
It’s a transparency problem, a governance problem, and frankly, a corruption problem.

This is why what began as a “clean streets” campaign has now become a nationwide citizen-led anti-corruption movement.

What can we do — apart from demanding more from the government?

Yes, the government must be held accountable. But real change isn’t just top-down — it’s bottom-up too.

Here’s what we, as everyday citizens, can do:

• Lead by example.
  Don’t litter, don’t spit, follow basic recycling rules. That’s the most basic respect for our shared spaces.
• Teach children hygiene and civic duty.
  Simple habits like washing hands, using toilets, and keeping surroundings clean build lifelong responsibility.
• Join local clean-up or community improvement drives.
  Clean your lane with your neighbours, plant trees, or fix a corner — it builds pride and sparks others to join.
• Track where your waste goes.
  Find out if your garbage gets recycled, buried, or burnt. The more you know, the better choices you can make.
• Celebrate improvements.
  If a locality gets cleaner, highlight it! Tag the authorities and appreciate the efforts — positive feedback motivates more action.