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Picture Courtesy: pib.gov.in

Context: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti presented details on the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-II in the Lok Sabha.

Details

• The Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts, achievements, and plans related to sanitation and waste management in rural areas, emphasizing the transition of villages from Open Defecation Free (ODF) to ODF Plus status, which focuses on sustainable waste management.
• The Minister has also discussed the allocation of funds, state-wise progress reports, and the specific initiatives undertaken as part of SBM(G) Phase II.

Key components of SBM(G) Phase-II include

• Management of Bio-degradable Wastes: Through composting or bio-gas plants, the aim is to effectively handle bio-degradable waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• Non-Biodegradable (Plastic) Waste Management: Construction of storage/segregation centres for non-biodegradable (plastic) waste, addressing the issue of plastic pollution in rural areas.
• Plastic Waste Management Units: Establishment of Plastic Waste Management Units at block/district levels to manage and mitigate the impact of plastic waste on the environment.
• Grey Water Management: Managing grey water through various technologies such as soak pits, leach pits, magic pits, Waste Stabilization Ponds, Constructed Wetlands, etc., depending on local conditions and feasibility.
• Faecal Sludge Management (FSM): Implementation of FSM where needed, utilizing existing sewage treatment facilities or setting up Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) to address the proper treatment of faecal sludge.

ODF Plus Villages

• Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus is a program launched by the Government of India to ensure the sustainability and functionality of the sanitation infrastructure created under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• ODF Plus aims to improve the quality of life and well-being of rural communities by focusing on four key aspects:
  • Biodegradable solid waste management
  • Plastic waste management
  • Greywater management
  • Fecal sludge management
• ODF Plus Villages are those that have achieved ODF status and are also implementing the ODF Plus interventions in a holistic and participatory manner. These villages are setting an example for others to follow and are contributing to the vision of a clean and healthy India.

Some of the benefits of ODF Plus Villages are:

• Reduced environmental pollution and improved hygiene.
• Enhanced soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
• Increased water availability and quality.
• Improved health outcomes and reduced disease burden.
• Increased income generation and livelihood opportunities.
• Enhanced social cohesion and empowerment of women.

To become an ODF Plus Village, a village needs to fulfil the following criteria:

• 100% household toilet coverage and usage.
• 100% institutional toilet coverage and usage.
• 100% safe disposal of child and animal faeces.
• 100% segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at source.
• 100% collection and transportation of biodegradable waste to compost pits or biogas plants.
• 100% collection and transportation of non-biodegradable waste to material recovery facilities or recycling centres.
• 100% treatment and reuse of greywater through soak pits, reed beds or other methods.
• 100% safe disposal or reuse of faecal sludge through co-composting, vermicomposting or other methods

Conclusion

• The Government of India is providing technical and financial support to the states and districts to implement the ODF Plus program. The program is also being supported by various stakeholders such as NGOs, corporations, media, academia and citizens. The ODF Plus program is a collective effort to make India not only open-defecation-free but also free from other sanitation-related issues. ODF Plus Villages are the pioneers of this movement and are inspiring others to join them in creating a Swachh and Swasth Bharat.

Must Read Articles:

ODF Plus Villages: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/odf-plus-villages-37#:~:text=ODF%20%2D%20Area%20once%20certified%20as,functional%20and%20well%2Dmaintained.%E2%80%9D

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/swachh-bharat-mission-6

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What key strategies and initiatives has the Swachh Bharat Mission implemented to address sanitation challenges in India, and what impact have these efforts had on improving overall cleanliness, hygiene, and public health?