Relevance: GS-2/GS-3 (Health, Sanitation, Governance)
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

India’s sanitation reforms have accelerated rapidly: 5.67 lakh ODF Plus villages (467% growth since 2022) and 4,692 ODF cities as of November 2025. Rural India was declared Open Defecation Free in 2019, marking a major public-health milestone.

Secure toilets, waste management and clean surroundings reduce waterborne diseases, improve women’s safety, protect groundwater, and support Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Key Programs and Progress

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural and Urban)

• Phase I (2014–19): Universal toilet access, ODF India.
• Phase II (2020–25): Sustaining ODF status + solid and liquid waste management → ODF Plus, ODF Plus Rising and ODF Plus Model categories.
• Current progress:
  • 95% of villages ODF Plus; 4.85 lakh ODF Plus Model villages.
  • Urban achievements exceed targets—108% household toilets, 125% community toilets constructed.

2. Complementary Schemes (Synergy)

• AMRUT/AMRUT 2.0: Urban sewerage + septage management; 6,964 MLD sewage treatment capacity approved.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Household tap water + sustaining ODF outcomes.

Way Ahead

• Strengthen waste management, faecal sludge treatment, and community-led behaviour change.
• Integrate sanitation with water supply, urban planning, and climate resilience.

Which of the following correctly describes an ODF Plus village?

1. Sustains Open Defecation Free status
   
2. Has both solid and liquid waste management systems
   
3. Must have a functional Sewage Treatment Plant

Select the correct answer:
A. 1 only;  B. 1 and 2 only; 

C. 2 and 3 only;  D. 1, 2 and 3