Waste to wellness: 5.67 lakh villages achieve ODF Plus status; 1,973 cities reach ODF++ certification

Ziraat Times News Network

India’s nationwide cleanliness and sanitation movement has registered sweeping gains, with government data released on World Toilet Day showing record progress in both rural and urban sanitation indicators. The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs reported that India’s villages and towns are rapidly transforming into cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

Rural India Registers 467% Growth in ODF Plus Villages

According to official figures, ODF Plus villages have surged to 5,67,708, marking a 467% rise from December 2022. Over 95% of all villages have now achieved ODF Plus status, while 4,85,818 have reached the ODF Plus Model category, which includes sustained ODF status, solid and liquid waste management, and visible cleanliness.

Rural India was first declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in 2019, and Phase II of SBM-Gramin, launched in 2020, has since focused on maintaining ODF status and ensuring effective waste management. The mission aims to make every village an ODF Plus Model village.

Urban Areas Push Ahead With ODF, ODF+ and ODF++

Cities across India have also shown remarkable progress under SBM-Urban. As of November 2025: 4,692 cities are ODF. 4,314 have achieved ODF+. 1,973 have reached ODF++, which requires safe treatment and disposal of faecal sludge and sewage.

Construction targets under SBM-Urban have exceeded expectations. Individual household latrine construction stands at 108.62% of the target, while community and public toilet construction has reached 125.46%.

World Toilet Day Highlights India’s Leadership

Commemorated annually on 19 November, World Toilet Day draws global attention to sanitation gaps and the need for safe toilets for all. The United Nations recognises India’s Swachh Bharat Mission as one of the world’s largest and most impactful sanitation campaigns, contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Solid Gains in Health, Economy, and Environment

Phase I of SBM delivered measurable benefits. WHO estimated that improved sanitation helped avert 300,000 diarrheal deaths between 2014 and 2019. Households in ODF villages saved nearly ₹50,000 annually in medical expenses. Women and children experienced greater safety and dignity, with 93% of women reporting enhanced personal security after gaining access to toilets.

Complementary Schemes Strengthen Water–Sanitation Linkages

Two key national missions — AMRUT and the Jal Jeevan Mission — continue to reinforce sanitation outcomes by providing improved urban sewerage systems and guaranteed tap water coverage in rural areas.

Under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, the government has grounded:

• 890 sewerage/septage projects worth ₹34,447 crore

• 4,622 MLD of new or enhanced sewage treatment capacity

• 586 approved projects valued at ₹68,461.78 crore, expected to deliver 6,964 MLD in STP capacity.

The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, complements sanitation efforts by ensuring reliable drinking water and supporting the long-term sustainability of ODF villages.

A Shift From Access to Sustainability

Officials noted that India’s sanitation journey has evolved from building toilets to ensuring cleanliness, waste management, and environmental protection. The push toward ODF Plus and ODF Plus Plus reflects a nationwide commitment to sustaining gains and expanding hygiene infrastructure.

India Positions Itself as Global Example

With strong community engagement, policy drive, and partnerships with state governments, India is emerging as a global leader in sanitation reform. Government agencies highlighted that the country’s progress contributes directly to public health, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.