Jammu & Kashmir Attains Remarkable Milestone: Achieves 100% ODF Plus Model Status
Jammu & Kashmir, September 30, 2023 – In a monumental achievement under the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has officially declared all of its 6650 villages spanning 285 blocks across 20 districts as ODF Plus Model. This milestone signifies a significant step beyond constructing toilets to encompass comprehensive cleanliness efforts, including the management of greywater and solid waste in every village.
To achieve ODF Plus Model status, a village must progress through three stages: Aspiring, Rising, and Model. This involves visual cleanliness, minimal litter, stagnant water, effective solid and liquid waste management (SLWM), and awareness activities promoting cleanliness. Once these criteria are met, a village is declared an ODF Plus Model.
To realize this ambitious goal, extensive plans were formulated with the involvement of all stakeholders. Village Sanitation Saturation Plans (VSSP) were crafted for each village to ensure SLWM assets were in place. Substantial SLWM infrastructure has been established under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBMG) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
For greywater management, including water from kitchens and baths, soak pits, magic pits, and leach pits have been constructed at both household and community levels. In total, 4,83,404 individual soak pits and 24,088 community soak pits have been built. Wherever possible, residents have been encouraged to dispose of greywater through kitchen gardens.
Biodegradable waste management has been addressed through individual and community compost pits, with 1,77,442 individual compost pits and 12,621 community compost pits established under government initiatives and by individuals. Efforts to segregate dry and wet waste and process wet waste in compost pits have been successful, with 6509 waste collection and segregation sheds set up for proper waste disposal.
Furthermore, 5523 Community Sanitary Complexes and 17,46,619 Individual Household toilets have been constructed since the launch of the ODF and ODF Plus programs.
The GOBARdhan initiative, focused on transforming animal dung and kitchen waste into biogas and bio-slurry, has already yielded two functional projects in J&K, with 18 more in their final stages of completion. Door-to-door waste collection has been initiated in all panchayats, involving local communities, youth clubs, NGOs, and expert agencies.
To cater to plastic waste, Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMU) are being established in each block. These centers will clean, shred, and bail plastic waste for proper disposal.
To declare a village as ODF Plus, ground reporting with visual evidence, videos of Gram Sabhas declaring their villages as ODF Plus, and other related documentation are required to be uploaded transparently on the portal.
Capacity-building initiatives have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of these programs. Training programs have been conducted across all 285 blocks in 20 districts, involving the entire Rural Development Department’s team and swachhagrahis to train individuals professionally to sustain the mission’s goals.
The campaign has also focused on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) through various means, including paintings, banners, awareness programs, and community engagement activities. Innovative campaigns like SwachhataKarwan, Swachhata Karwaan 2.0, Swachhata Internship, Swachh Yodha Pratiyogita, Swachhaton, Swachhata Bulletin, and Swachhata Quiz have been launched to promote behavioral change.
The role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has been pivotal in motivating people to embrace cleanliness. Some elected representatives have received awards and recognition for their exceptional work in promoting Swachhata.
In a significant move to combat sanitation challenges, the Directorate of Rural Sanitation has appointed Captain Bana Singh, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, as the ambassador for the “War Against Waste” initiative in Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir’s journey toward ODF Plus Model status has been marked by innovative campaigns and initiatives, and the commitment of the community, stakeholders, and elected representatives.
To ensure the sustainability of ODF Plus model status, the department will focus on maintaining sanitation facilities, promoting paid usage of infrastructure, and continuing behavior change efforts. Leveraging technology and innovation will play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Sustainability in ODF Plus is an ongoing journey that requires a multi-dimensional approach, and Jammu & Kashmir is dedicated to ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
