Agartala, Sept 24: Tripura and Sikkim have achieved a significant milestone by attaining 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status, according to a press release from the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This accomplishment is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, where 75% of villages in India have achieved ODF Plus status.
ODF Plus status signifies that a village has not only maintained its Open Defecation Free status but has also implemented effective solid or liquid waste management systems. Currently, more than 4.43 lakh villages in India have declared themselves ODF Plus, marking substantial progress toward the SBM-G Phase II objectives set for 2024-25.
Top-Performing States and Union Territories
Several states and union territories have excelled in achieving 100% ODF Plus villages, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura.
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The Significance of the Swachh Bharat Mission
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the high priority accorded to the Swachh Bharat Mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. The mission has gained the support of the entire nation, transforming “Swachhata” (cleanliness) into a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement).
The Swachh Bharat Mission has made remarkable strides in improving sanitation and hygiene across India. Achieving 100% ODF Plus status in states like Tripura and Sikkim is a testament to the country’s commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all its citizens.
