GUWAHATI: Assam has reported coverage of 74% villages achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus Model status under the Swacch Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) plan. This report was provided in a review meeting held in Guwahati on Tuesday, November 12, by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil.
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The meeting recognised the state’s progress within the broader mission goal of reaching “Sampoorna Swachhata,” or comprehensive sanitation, across rural India by March 2025. Sikkim led with 100% village coverage, and Tripura and Mizoram reported ODF statuses of 80% and 86% respectively.
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) Secretary Ashok Kumar Kaluram Meena highlighted the Northeast’s contributions as a model for the nation’s rural sanitation efforts. “The convergence of resources and collaboration among states and local bodies is key to sustaining SBM-G’s impact,” he said. “The North-Eastern states are setting an example for the rest of the country in community-driven sanitation models.”
Further discussions addressed additional issues such as sustainable waste management, the maintenance of sanitation assets, and the need to expedite pending individual household toilet applications within 15 days.
This review meeting also included representatives from Sikkim, Manipur, and Mizoram.
