Have Over 95% of India’s Villages Become ODF Plus?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how India has made significant strides in sanitation as over 95% of its villages achieve ODF Plus status under the Swachh Bharat Mission. This remarkable progress reflects a commitment to public health and dignity for all citizens, especially on World Toilet Day.
Key Takeaways
- Over 95% of villages in India are now ODF Plus.
- Significant increase of 467% in ODF Plus villages.
- Focus on sustainable sanitation practices.
- Community and individual toilet construction surpasses targets.
- Complementary initiatives bolster sanitation and water supply.
New Delhi, Nov 19 (NationPress) On the celebration of World Toilet Day, the government announced that more than 95 percent of villages have achieved the status of Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin. The number of ODF Plus villages surged by 467 percent from 100,000 in December 2022 to 567,000 as of November 19, 2025, with ODF Plus Model Villages reaching 485,818, according to an official statement.
An ODF Plus village is characterized by its commitment to maintaining ODF status, effective solid and liquid waste management, and overall cleanliness.
In urban settings, 4,692 cities have achieved ODF status, 4,314 have attained ODF+ status, and 1,973 have reached ODF++ status.
The construction of individual household latrines has exceeded the mission targets by 108.62 percent, resulting in a total of 6,374,355 toilets built.
Community and public toilet construction also surpassed expectations, achieving 125.46 percent with 638,826 units completed.
Complementary initiatives like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) focus on urban sewerage and drainage, while the Jal Jeevan Mission ensures a consistent water supply to households, thereby enhancing sanitation outcomes. Collectively, these policies emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and dignity, positioning sanitation as a cornerstone of public health and development, the statement highlighted.
A total of 890 sewerage and septage projects valued at Rs 34,447 crore have been initiated, leading to the creation of 4,622 Million Liters per Day (MLD) of new or enhanced sewage treatment capacity, including 1,437 MLD designated for recycling or reuse.
States and Union Territories have undertaken 86 projects worth Rs 68,461.78 crore, with approved projects adding 6,964 MLD of STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) capacity, of which 1,938.96 MLD is set aside for recycling/reuse.
The Jal Jeevan Mission provides safe drinking water to all rural households and focuses on sanitation and the upkeep of ODF villages.
Through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, the nation has progressed from merely building infrastructure to ensuring dignity, inclusivity, and lasting cleanliness, the statement concluded.
Point of View
It is evident that the government's proactive approach in achieving over 95% ODF Plus villages signifies a monumental step towards improved public health and sanitation. This initiative not only enhances the living conditions in rural areas but also reinforces India's commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ODF Plus?
ODF Plus refers to villages that maintain their open defecation free status while ensuring effective waste management and cleanliness.
How many villages in India have achieved ODF Plus status?
As of November 19, 2025, over 567,000 villages in India have achieved ODF Plus status.
What initiatives support the Swachh Bharat Mission?
Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT support the Swachh Bharat Mission by focusing on water supply, sewerage, and sanitation.
What percentage of urban areas have achieved ODF status?
In urban areas, 4,692 cities have achieved ODF status, with additional cities reaching ODF+ and ODF++ status.
How many toilets have been constructed under the mission?
Over 6.37 million household toilets have been constructed, exceeding the mission's targets.
