The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti recently embarked on a 10-year Rural Sanitation Strategy. The strategy, which runs from 2019 to 2029, was carefully designed by the DDWS in collaboration with State Governments and various stakeholders. The objective is to establish a guiding framework for local governments, policy-makers, and stakeholders involved in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status. This status signifies that every individual uses a toilet, and each village can manage solid and liquid waste effectively.
Evolving Beyond Open-Defecation-Free Initiatives
The strategic aim is to maintain the behavioral modification regarding sanitation established through the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G). The focus now moves beyond just ODF, aiming to increase access to solid and liquid waste management in rural areas across the nation. It demands focused intervention through enhancing capacity, providing effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC), managing organic and plastic waste, and water management.
Alternative Financing Models for Continued Sanitation Success
Public financing greatly contributed to the journey towards ODF, but maintaining toilets and infrastructure requires innovative sanitation financing models. The strategy mandates the convergence of funds from different sources including the Centre, states, Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), and alternative finance sources, such as private funds. Decisions about budget allocation and fund disbursement methods are still being discussed. Potential collaborations with development partners, civil society, and inter-government partnerships are highlighted in the strategy.
Understanding the Degrees of Open-Defecation-Free Status
The definitions of ODF, ODF+, and ODF++ status are as follows:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| ODF | An area can be declared as ODF if at any point of the day, not even a single person is found defecating in the open |
| ODF+ | This status is given if at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating and/or urinating in the open, and all community and public toilets are functional and well maintained |
| ODF++ | This status is given if the area is already ODF+, and the faecal sludge/septage and sewage are safely managed and treated, with no discharging or dumping of untreated faecal sludge and sewage into the open drains, water bodies or areas |
India’s Sanitation Revolution: The Success Story So Far
India’s sanitation revolution took the form of SBM-G, which quickly became a people’s movement (Jan Andolan). Since the start of SBM-G in 2014, more than 10 crore toilets have been constructed in rural regions. As of now, around 5.9 lakh villages in 699 districts and 37 States/UTs have declared themselves as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions
Thanks to SBM-G, India has become an inspiration for other countries in terms of sanitation. To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary on October 2nd, 2019, the Central government plans to dedicate a Swachh Bharat (Clean India) to the nation. To facilitate this commitment, State Governments have been advised to prioritize the construction of toilets for any households still without access to such a facility.
