Uttar Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by attaining a 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status in a total of 95,767 villages. This accomplishment was officially announced on September 28.
In the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the Uttar Pradesh Government has reported that among these ODF Plus villages, 81,744 are classified as aspirational villages, showcasing the successful implementation of effective solid waste management and liquid waste management systems.
Furthermore, the official statement quoted, “In addition, 10,217 villages are ODF Plus rising villages with provision for both solid waste management and liquid waste management, and 3,806 villages are ODF Plus Model Villages.”
Notably, within the current fiscal year, Uttar Pradesh has made substantial progress. By January 1, 2023, only 15,088 villages in the state had received the coveted ODF Plus designation.
In just nine months, the state embarked on a mission-driven endeavor to achieve ODF Plus status, resulting in an impressive outcome with over 80,000 villages reaching ODF Plus status, as detailed in the official statement.
During the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ campaign of 2023, more than 8.8 million individuals actively contributed to the cause of cleanliness, achieving a remarkable 100% participation rate.
The SHS campaign, held annually from September 15 to October 2 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, saw over 88 lakh people participating and contributing to ‘Shramdaan’ on a large scale, accelerating the achievement of ODF Plus status.
An ODF Plus village maintains its ODF status while also implementing solid or liquid waste management systems. Currently, 4.4 lakh (75%) villages across the country have declared themselves ODF Plus, marking a significant step toward meeting the goals of SBM-G Phase 2 by 2024–25.
To celebrate the ODF Plus achievement, Gram Panchayats that demonstrated exemplary work and declared their Gram Panchayats as ODF Plus models were honored.
The statement noted, “Gram Pradhans, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Assistants, and sanitation workers across the state were honored at the state level and motivated to contribute further to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).”
The award recipients include the top 60 Gram Panchayats recognized for their contributions in making their Gram Panchayats exemplary, and 75 sanitation workers, one from each of the 75 districts, were also honored for their significant contributions.
