Uttar Pradesh Achieves 100% ODF Plus Coverage

September 29, 2023

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has achieved a remarkable feat by attaining 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status across its 95,767 villages. This significant accomplishment was officially announced on September 28, highlighting the state’s commitment to sanitation and cleanliness.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II Success

In the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the Uttar Pradesh Government reports that among these ODF Plus villages, 81,744 are classified as aspirational villages. These villages demonstrate the successful implementation of effective solid waste management and liquid waste management systems, contributing to their ODF Plus status.

Different Categories of ODF Plus Villages

Uttar Pradesh’s achievements extend beyond just ODF Plus status. The state has also recorded:

10,217 villages as ODF Plus rising villages: These villages have provisions for both solid waste management and liquid waste management.
3,806 villages as ODF Plus Model Villages: These villages serve as models for comprehensive sanitation and cleanliness efforts.

A Rapid Transformation in a Short Time

In the current fiscal year, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant progress. By January 1, 2023, only 15,088 villages within the state had received the prestigious ODF Plus designation. Within just nine months, the state launched a mission-oriented endeavor to attain ODF Plus status, leading to a triumphant outcome with over 80,000 villages accomplishing ODF Plus status, as reported in an official statement.

Massive Participation in ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ Campaign

During the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ campaign of 2023, more than 8.8 million individuals actively contributed to the cause of cleanliness, achieving an impressive 100% participation rate. SHS is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 2 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. In 2023, over 88 lakh people participated and contributed to ‘Shramdaan’ on a large scale, thereby accelerating the achievement of ODF Plus status.

Towards a Cleaner India

An ODF Plus village retains its ODF status while also implementing solid or liquid waste management systems. To date, 4.4 lakh (75%) villages across the country have declared themselves ODF Plus. This significant step aligns with the targets of SBM-G Phase 2, aiming for comprehensive sanitation and cleanliness by 2024–25.

Honoring Contributions and Inspiring Further Action

The ODF Plus achievement was celebrated by felicitating Gram Panchayats that demonstrated exemplary work and declared their Gram Panchayats as ODF Plus models. Gram Pradhans, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Assistants, and sanitation workers across the state were honored at the state level, motivating them to continue their contributions to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The award winners include the 60 best Gram Panchayats for their contribution to making Gram Panchayats a model and 75 sanitation workers (one from each of the 75 districts) were also honored for their dedication and contribution to the cause of cleanliness.

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