How Many Villages in India Have Achieved ODF Plus Status?
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Synopsis
As of August 13, 2023, India reports that 5.66 lakh villages have achieved ODF Plus status, showcasing significant progress in sanitation efforts. With states like Uttar Pradesh leading, the ongoing Swachh Bharat Mission aims to solidify these achievements further. Discover the implications of this milestone for public health and hygiene.
Key Takeaways
- 5.66 lakh villages have achieved ODF Plus status in India.
- Uttar Pradesh leads with 94,636 ODF Plus villages.
- ODF Plus certification requires effective waste management.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission is ongoing until 2025-26.
- Continuous toilet construction is crucial for new households.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) A total of 5.66 lakh villages out of 5.86 lakh have achieved the status of Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus as of August 13, as reported to the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, stated in a written reply that an ODF Plus village is defined as one that maintains its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, manages solid and liquid waste effectively, and is visually clean.
According to the report, Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of 94,636 ODF Plus villages, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 50,772, Odisha with 45,083, Rajasthan with 42,781, Maharashtra with 38,300, and West Bengal with 37,178.
Minister Somanna explained the process for a village to claim ODF Plus status, saying that a village meeting at the Gram Sabha must self-declare the ODF Plus status upon meeting all criteria.
He outlined three categories for ODF Plus villages: Aspiring, Rising, and Model.
Mandatory third-party verification must be conducted within 90 days of the initial ODF Plus declaration.
Only Model villages will undergo mandatory third-party verification, though supervisory checks may occur for all three categories by responsible officers at various administrative levels.
An ODF Plus Aspiring village maintains its ODF status and has provisions for either Solid Waste Management or Liquid Waste Management.
An ODF Plus Rising village sustains its ODF status and has systems for both Solid and Liquid Waste Management.
An ODF Plus Model village not only sustains its ODF status but also maintains visual cleanliness, minimizing litter, stagnant water, and public plastic waste, while displaying ODF Plus Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) messages.
Somanna emphasized that sanitation is primarily a State subject, with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation providing financial and technical assistance to the states.
The second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] is ongoing from 2020-21 to 2025-26, focusing on sustaining ODF status and ensuring all villages have solid and liquid waste management, transitioning them from ODF to ODF Plus (Model).
Recognizing that constructing toilets is an ongoing process rather than a one-off task due to the emergence of new households, the construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) remains a priority under Phase II of the SBM(G).
Point of View
The achievement of 5.66 lakh villages becoming ODF Plus is commendable, showcasing India's commitment to sanitation. As the nation progresses under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the focus remains on sustainability and comprehensive waste management, essential for improving the quality of life for millions. It is crucial that this effort continues to receive support and resources to ensure lasting impact.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ODF Plus?
ODF Plus refers to villages that not only maintain Open Defecation Free status but also manage solid and liquid waste effectively and maintain visual cleanliness.
How many villages are ODF Plus in India?
As of August 13, 2023, 5.66 lakh out of a total of 5.86 lakh villages in India have been declared ODF Plus.
Which state has the most ODF Plus villages?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of ODF Plus villages, totaling 94,636.
What are the categories of ODF Plus villages?
The categories include Aspiring, Rising, and Model ODF Plus villages, based on their sustainability and waste management practices.
What is the Swachh Bharat Mission?
The Swachh Bharat Mission is a nationwide campaign aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene across India, with an emphasis on sustainable practices.
