India Achieves 75% ODF Plus Villages Milestone Under Swachh Bharat Mission

September 25, 2023

India has reached a significant milestone in the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, with 75% of its villages attaining the ODF Plus status. An ODF Plus village maintains its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status while implementing solid or liquid waste management systems. This achievement marks a substantial step towards fulfilling the Phase II objectives of the SBM-G, set to be achieved by 2024-25.

Top-Performing States and Union Territories

Several top-performing States and Union Territories have achieved 100% ODF Plus villages, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura. Some, like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim, have also achieved 100% ODF Plus Model villages, showcasing exceptional progress.

SBM-G Phase-II Objectives

SBM-G Phase-II aims to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025. Out of the 4,43,964 ODF Plus villages achieved so far, 2,92,497 are ODF Plus Aspiring villages with solid or liquid waste management arrangements. Additionally, 55,549 villages are ODF Plus Rising villages, with arrangements for both solid and liquid waste management, while 96,018 villages are ODF Plus Model villages. Overall, 2,31,080 villages have solid waste management arrangements, and 3,76,353 villages have liquid waste management arrangements.

Ninth Anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Achieving 75% ODF Plus villages represents a significant milestone as the country transitions from ODF to ODF Plus under Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II. Phase-II focuses on sustaining ODF status, managing solid and liquid waste, plastic waste management, faecal sludge management, GOBARdhan, Information Education and Communication/Behavior Change Communication, and capacity building.

Budget Allocation and Utilization

The total budget allocation for SBM Phase II is 1.43 lakh crores, with substantial contributions from the 15th Finance Commission funds and MGNREGA. The central share allocation for SBM-G in 2023-24 is Rs.7,192 Crore, with states planning an expenditure of 22,264 cr from all sources this year. Funds have been used to build sanitation assets, promote behavior change, and implement waste management systems.

Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

This achievement aligns with the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 2nd. SHS-2023, themed ‘Garbage Free India,’ has seen significant community participation through activities like Shramdaan (voluntary labor). Over 5 crore people have participated, with 2.05 crore individuals contributing to Shramdaan activities, including cleaning various sites.

Acknowledgment and Commendation

The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, commends the contributions of villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States/UTs in this remarkable achievement. It reflects India’s unwavering commitment to achieving cleanliness and efficient waste management across the nation.

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