Bharti was yesterday divested of the prime Ganga Rejuvenation and Water Resources portfolio.
"Uma Bharti today took over as new Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation," the ministry said in a statement.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is divided into two parts -- Urban and Rural.
While the Urban Development Ministry deals with the urban segment, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation deals with the rural segment.
On her arrival today, Bharti was received by Secretary Parameswaran Iyer and other senior officials of the ministry. The taking over of the charge was a low-key affair.
Yesterday, Bharti was not present at the oath-taking ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.