India Achieves Significant Sanitation Milestone Under Swachh Bharat Mission
The Government of India has made remarkable strides in sanitation through the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), aimed at eradicating open defecation across the country. Launched on October 2, 2014, the ambitious initiative sought to provide every rural household with access to toilets by October 2, 2019. According to the latest data reported by States and Union Territories on the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), over 10 crore Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) were constructed in the five years leading up to the goal, with States officially declaring themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) on the target date.
Progress Under Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission
Following the initial success, the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission commenced in April 2020 and will run until 2025. This phase not only aims to maintain ODF status but also focuses on solid and liquid waste management, striving to enhance the cleanliness of villages. As of November 15, 2025, data indicates that a staggering 4,85,510 villages have proclaimed themselves as ODF Plus (Model) villages, demonstrating a commendable commitment to improving rural sanitation.
Comprehensive Sanitation Infrastructure
Data from IMIS reveals that since 2014, the total construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) has reached approximately 11.98 crore, alongside the establishment of 2.65 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs). Furthermore, about 5.25 lakh villages are reported to have implemented Solid Waste Management (SWM) systems, while 5.39 lakh villages have adopted Liquid Waste Management (LWM) practices. These developments signify a substantial investment in rural sanitation infrastructure that not only enhances hygiene but also overall quality of life for residents in these areas.
Official Remarks in Lok Sabha
This significant progress was outlined by Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, in a written response in Lok Sabha, where he emphasized the dedication of the Government of India towards achieving the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
State-wise Breakdown of ODF Plus Status
In an attached annexure, detailed data showcases the state-wise statistics of ODF Plus villages. States such as Assam and Bihar reported significant numbers of declared villages, showcasing diverse regional achievements that contribute to the national success of the mission. Overall, with a total of 5,86,944 villages and over 4,85,510 declared as ODF Plus, the strategy is set to redefine sanitation standards across rural India.
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