Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to cleanliness and sanitation. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, the state has successfully achieved ODF Plus status in all of its 95,767 villages, marking a remarkable 100% achievement in Phase II of the mission.
An ODF Plus village, as defined under the mission, is one that not only sustains its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but also implements effective solid or liquid waste management systems. This accomplishment by Uttar Pradesh contributes significantly to the nationwide effort, as 75% of villages across India have now declared themselves ODF Plus, aligning with the SBM-G Phase II goals set for completion by 2024-25.
The state's journey towards this achievement saw impressive momentum in the current fiscal year. As of January 1, 2023, only 15,088 villages in Uttar Pradesh had secured ODF Plus status. However, in a span of just nine months, the state accelerated its efforts and propelled over 80,000 additional villages to achieve ODF Plus status. This rapid progress was made possible through mission-mode planning and execution, emphasizing capacity building at the Panchayat (local government) level and on-site support.
Among the 95,767 ODF Plus villages in Uttar Pradesh, 81,744 are categorized as ODF Plus Aspiring villages, equipped with arrangements for Solid Waste Management or Liquid Waste Management. Additionally, 10,217 villages fall under the ODF Plus Rising category, boasting arrangements for both Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste Management. Finally, 3,806 villages have earned the prestigious ODF Plus Model status. Overall, 15,649 villages now have efficient solid waste management systems in place, and 95,048 villages have established liquid waste management solutions.
This remarkable achievement of 100% ODF Plus status comes during the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2023 campaign, which is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 2nd under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), led by the Drinking Water & Sanitation Department, Ministry of Jal Shakti. This year, approximately 88 lakh individuals have actively participated in mass mobilization and Shramdaan (voluntary labor), significantly contributing to the rapid attainment of ODF Plus status.
The celebration of this achievement has included the felicitation of Gram Panchayats (village councils) that have demonstrated exceptional work in declaring their areas as ODF Plus Model villages. Across states, Gram Pradhans (village heads), Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Sahayaks, and Safai Karmis (sanitation workers) have been recognized at the state level, further motivating them to contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
Activities conducted during the celebration have included "Promoting Seeing is Believing" through the display of live models of solid waste, liquid waste, rural resource centers, and model villages for learning and scaling up. Additionally, "Educating through Entertainment" involved cultural programs with local and folk media groups, such as magic shows and puppet shows with a garbage-free theme.
An ODF Plus Model village not only sustains its ODF status but also has efficient arrangements for both Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste Management. It maintains visual cleanliness with minimal litter, stagnant wastewater, and no plastic waste dumps in public areas while displaying ODF Plus Information, Education & Communication (IEC) messages.
The key components of Phase II of SBM (G) include Sustaining Open Defecation Free Status, Solid (Bio-degradable) Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, Liquid Waste Management, Faecal Sludge Management, GOBARdhan, Information Education and Communication/Behavior Change Communication, and Capacity Building. The SBM-G program has played a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of millions of people throughout the country.
