In a remarkable achievement, Tripura has joined the league of top-performing states and Union Territories (UTs) in India, boasting 100% Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus) villages. An ODF Plus village signifies not only the continuation of its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but also the successful implementation of solid or liquid waste management systems.
India’s Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared this accomplishment on Saturday, revealing that approximately 4.4 lakh villages across the country, constituting 75% of India’s total villages, have achieved the ODF Plus status. He highlighted that this significant milestone is a giant leap towards fulfilling the objectives of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin, slated for completion by 2024-25.
Aside from Tripura, several other states and UTs have also achieved the coveted status of 100% ODF Plus villages. These regions include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Minister Shekhawat further noted that a total of 4,43,964 villages have declared themselves ODF Plus. Among them, 2,92,497 villages are categorized as ‘ODF Plus Aspiring,’ equipped with either solid waste or liquid waste management systems. Additionally, 55,549 villages are classified as ‘ODF Plus Rising,’ boasting arrangements for both solid and liquid waste management, while 96,018 villages are considered ‘ODF Plus Model.’
Notably, 2,31,080 villages have established provisions for solid waste management, and 3,76,353 villages have mechanisms in place to manage liquid waste, as stated by the minister.
Shekhawat underlined the significance of this achievement, emphasizing that India has transitioned from ODF to ODF Plus in the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin Phase II. The primary focus of the second phase of the SBM (G) revolves around sustaining ODF status and establishing robust systems for managing various waste types, including solid waste, bio-degradable waste, plastic waste, and faecal sludge. This momentous accomplishment reflects India’s commitment to promoting cleanliness and sanitation across its vast and diverse landscape.(Edited)