India's Villages Achieve Major Milestone: Over 5,47,000 Declared ODF Plus

Over 5,47,283 villages in India have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus, according to the Jal Shakti Ministry. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh exhibit significant accomplishments, with many villages reaching 'Model' status. The ODF Plus classification assesses villages based on their waste management systems and overall cleanliness.

India has reached a significant milestone, with 5,47,283 villages across the country being declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus, as announced by the Jal Shakti Ministry on Thursday.

Answering a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna revealed comprehensive data on the ODF Plus status of the nation's villages.

In the Union Territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep have achieved full ODF Plus status, with all their villages classified as Model villages.

Among states, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar have made notable progress with thousands of villages achieving various ODF Plus categories, including Model villages. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh also show substantial advancements with tens of thousands of ODF Plus villages.

The ODF Plus status indicates not only the sustainability of an open defecation-free environment but also the effective management of solid and liquid waste. Villages achieving Model status excel in cleanliness and waste management practices while promoting education and communication about hygiene.

(With inputs from agencies.)