Swachh Bharat Mission: Uttar Pradesh achieves remarkable feat, 95,767 villages now 100% ‘Open Defecation Free’
Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status across 95,767 villages, as confirmed by an official announcement on September 28. In the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the Uttar Pradesh Government reports that among these ODF Plus villages, 81,744 are classified as aspirational villages, demonstrating the implementation of effective solid waste management and liquid waste management systems. "In addition, 10,217 villages are ODF Plus rising villages with provision for both solid waste management and liquid waste management, and 3,806 villages are ODF Plus Model Villages," ANI quoted an official statement as stating.
In the current fiscal year, Uttar Pradesh has experienced significant advancements. By January 1, 2023, merely 15,088 villages within the state had received the coveted ODF Plus designation. Within a mere nine months, the state launched a mission-oriented endeavour to attain ODF Plus status, leading to a triumphant outcome with over 80,000 villages accomplishing ODF Plus status, as reported in an official statement.
During the nationwide 'Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ campaign of 2023, more than 8.8 million individuals actively contributed to the cause of cleanliness, successfully attaining a remarkable 100% participation rate. SHS is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 2 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. In 2023, over 88 lakh people participated and contributed to ‘Shramdaan’ on a large scale, thereby accelerating the achievement of ODF Plus status.
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