As of now, nearly 40,000 km of rural roads have been constructed using plastic waste, with 13,000 km completed in the past two years alone, according to a senior official.
Progress in Sanitation and Waste Management
During a media briefing, Vini Mahajan, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), reported that over 55% of villages have achieved the ‘ODF Plus Model’ status. Currently, there are about 500,000 waste collection vehicles operating, and significant advancements have been made in managing greywater and plastic waste.
Innovations Driving Change
Mahajan noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the use of sustainable techniques has led to the construction of nearly 40,000 km of rural roads, with a significant portion completed recently.
“These innovations reflect our dedication to sustainability and the future of sanitation in India,” she stated.
Collective Efforts in the Swachhata Campaign
She acknowledged the essential support from all Central ministries, states, and Union Territories in the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2024’ campaign, emphasising that sanitation is a societal issue that brings everyone together, fueled by unified leadership from the top levels to local communities.
Cleanliness as a Continuous Journey
Mahajan concluded by highlighting that cleanliness is not merely an objective but a continuous journey, with behaviour change as its fundamental element.
