India sees major progress in waste management; 50% of villages achieve ODF plus status

New Delhi: In a significant achievement, India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti announced today that half of the nation’s villages have attained ODF Plus status under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase II. Over 2.96 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, putting the country on track to reach its SBM-G Phase II targets by 2024-25.

An ODF Plus village not only maintains its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but also implements either solid or liquid waste management systems. Among the top-performing states are Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, with Goa and Sikkim leading the way among smaller states. All Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Havelli & Daman Diu, and Lakshadweep boast 100% ODF Plus Model villages.

The central government has dedicated a total of Rs. 83,938 crore to Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen between 2014-15 and 2021-22, with an allocation of Rs. 52,137 crore for 2023-24. As the mission enters its ninth year, Phase II focuses on sustaining ODF status, managing solid waste, plastic waste, and liquid waste, as well as promoting GOBARdhan, Information Education and Communication/Behavior Change Communication (IEC/BCC), and capacity building.

The SBM-G program has positively impacted the health and well-being of millions across India. Regarding plastic waste management, 831 plastic waste management units and 1,19,449 waste collection & segregation sheds have been established. Cleaned and shredded plastic is used in road construction or as fuel in cement factories. Furthermore, over 1 lakh gram panchayats have passed resolutions banning Single Use Plastic.