India's sanitation revolution: 5.67 lakh villages go ODF Plus, a 467% surge since 2022

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In a significant milestone, nearly 5.67 lakh villages across India have been declared Open Defecation-Free Plus (ODF Plus), marking a 467% jump from 1 lakh in 2022, according to data released by the Jal Shakti Ministry on World Toilet Day. This unprecedented growth is attributed to sustained government support and nationwide participation, with over 95% of Indian villages now achieving ODF Plus status. The data shows that 4.86 lakh villages have successfully implemented the 'ODF Plus Model', ensuring sustained open-defecation-free status while managing solid and liquid waste and maintaining visual cleanliness. Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil credited the Swachh Bharat Mission for transforming sanitation into a mass movement, saying, "Crores of people who earlier practised open defecation have now stopped doing so." The minister also highlighted the importance of improved sanitation in protecting children's lives, stating that "cleanliness has saved the lives of around 3,00,000 children.