Neha BaruahIndia has recently marked a major milestone with 547,283 towns now boasting Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus) status, as revealed by the Jal Shakti Ministry. This achievement underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing sanitation and waste management practices.
What is ODF Plus?
ODF Plus is a progressive extension of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiative, aimed at ensuring that towns not only eliminate open defecation but also implement robust, sustainable sanitation systems and efficient waste management practices. This initiative drives communities to maintain cleanliness and manage waste in a smart, systematic manner.
ODF Plus Village Categories
- Aspiring Villages: These villages meet the basic requirements for solid waste management, laying the foundation for improved sanitation practices.
- Rising Villages: Beyond managing solid waste, these villages have established systems for handling liquid waste, enhancing their overall sanitation infrastructure.
- Model Villages: These are the top achievers, surpassing the standards set by the previous categories. Model villages excel in maintaining visual cleanliness, effective waste management, and actively promoting sanitation education and information.
State-by-State Breakdown
- Andhra Pradesh: Home to 15,758 ODF Plus villages.
- Assam: Features 25,215 ODF Plus villages, with a notable number classified as Model villages.
- Bihar: Boasts 30,225 ODF Plus villages, emphasizing Model category achievements.
- Madhya Pradesh: Leads with 49,742 ODF Plus villages, particularly strong in the Model category.
- Uttar Pradesh: Has 93,872 ODF Plus villages, reflecting a diverse range of categories.
- Rajasthan: Records 42,387 ODF Plus villages, showing significant progress in the Model category.
- Gujarat: Achieves ODF Plus status with 17,719 villages.
Areas of Limited Progress
On the flip side, states like Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur lag behind in the number of ODF Plus villages, indicating regional disparities in sanitation progress. The ODF Plus initiative is pivotal in transforming India’s sanitation landscape, aiming to foster healthier communities through enhanced waste management and environmental sustainability.
Understanding ODF Plus
ODF Plus takes the foundational work of ODF further by integrating advanced sanitation and hygiene practices with comprehensive solid waste management. The initiative focuses on sustaining ODF status through active community engagement and education. Launched by the Indian government, ODF Plus emphasizes behavioral changes, environmental health, and inclusivity for marginalized groups. It also highlights the importance of menstrual hygiene management and encourages continuous monitoring to uphold high hygiene standards. This all-encompassing approach is designed to drive long-term public health improvements.
Neha Baruah
