New Delhi, October 2: Following Jammu and Kashmir’s attainment of a 100% Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Monday that the state has made significant strides in development and growth since the abrogation of Article 370, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah took to ‘X’, previously known as Twitter, to express his sentiments as Jammu and Kashmir achieved the 100% ODF Plus model status, marking yet another remarkable achievement during the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign.
“Heartiest congratulations to the people of J&K for achieving 100% ODF Plus status. After the abrogation of Article 370 under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, J&K has reached new heights in development and growth,” Shah posted on ‘X’.
“The schemes implemented by the Union Government are now being seamlessly extended to the nooks and corners of J&K. People across the nation and those living in J&K have witnessed the transformative change the region has undergone. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the JK Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the local administration for this remarkable feat.”
On September 29, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shared on ‘X’, declaring, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 100% J&K UT villages have achieved the ODF Plus status in the ‘Model’ category under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) phase-II. This achievement underlines the coordinated efforts of all to improve the quality of life for citizens.”
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, in a statement on September 29, announced that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has declared all its 6,650 villages across 285 blocks in 20 districts as ODF Plus Model.
According to the statement, achieving the ODF Plus Model for all villages in the UT is a significant milestone as it goes beyond the construction and use of toilets to focus on cleanliness by managing greywater and solid waste in each village.
“To achieve the status of the ODF Plus Model, a village must pass through three stages of ODF Plus, namely Aspiring, Rising, and Model. When a village attains a condition where it is visually clean with minimal litter and stagnant water, in addition to solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) and adequate cleanliness awareness generation activities, it is declared as ODF Plus Model,” reads the statement.
Recognizing that sustainability in ODF Plus is an ongoing journey, the statement further emphasized that it requires a multi-dimensional approach, including infrastructure development, behavioral change, community engagement, financial sustainability, technology integration, and more.
“By embracing these principles, J&K can not only maintain its ODF Plus Model status but also ensure its continuity for generations to come, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future,” it added.
