Open Defecation

Over 1.8 lakh villages in the country have achieved Open Defecation Free-Plus (ODF+) status so far and the government will attempt to double the number this year, an official of the Drinking Water and Sanitation department said. Areas working towards sustainability of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status to ensure proper maintenance of toilet facilities are categorised as Swachh Bharat Mission ODF+. SBM Grameen Phase-II was launched in February 2020 with the aim to ensure that all villages in the country can declare themselves as ODF Plus by the end of 2024. "In SBM Grameen Phase-II, we are also working for comprehensive sanitation in our villages, through effective solid and liquid waste management. This includes biodegradable waste management, plastic waste management, greywater management and fecal sludge management, leading to villages becoming ODF+," Vini Mahajan, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, told PTI. "We are encouraging generation of both biogas and ..

Nearly 8 years after the launch, Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) recorded another milestone -- of 1,01,462 villages declaring themselves as ODF (open defecation free) plus

In 2014, NDA govt had set a target of making rural areas open defecation free by October 2, 2019 by launching the Swachh Bharat Mission to "provide access to toilet facilities to all rural households"

Modi said the recent 'HowdyModi' event in the US has become a talking point among world leaders he met after that programme

The village heads will also visit the Statue of Unity built in dedication to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Narmada district, the deputy chief Minister said

Minister of State for Jal Shakti Rattan Lal Kataria Saturda released a 'Way Forward' document on the ODF Plus programme

Goa, as one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world, officials feel that there is an urgent need to meet the challenge in the state

To rid us of our adherence to open defecation will need communicating that all Indians are created equal and that the practice is anti-national. Can our politicians measure up to this challenge?

The scheme is part of the 'Marathwada Hagandari Mukt Sangram