NEW DELHI: Amit Shah, the union home minister, said on Monday that Jammu and Kashmir has reached new heights in development and growth since Article 370 was repealed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the state earned 100% Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status. As Jammu and Kashmir achieved 100% ODF Plus model status, another outstanding achievement made during the ongoing “Swachhata Hi Seva” Campaign, Shah took to ‘X,’ formerly Twitter, to express his feelings. “Heartiest congratulations to the people of J&K for achieving 100% ODF Plus status.The J&K has reached new heights in development and growth following the repeal of Article 370 under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Shah wrote on ‘X.’ “The programmes launched by the Union Government are now being effortlessly extended to the nook and cranny of J&K. The revolutionary change the area has undergone has been felt by people all around the country, including those who live in J&K. I heartily congratulate Manoj Sinha, the lieutenant governor of J&K, and the local government on this outstanding achievement.On September 29, Jammu and Kashmir’s lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha published a message on the social media platform ‘X’ stating that “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 100% J&K UT villages have earned the ODF Plus designation in the ‘Model’ category under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) phase-II. This accomplishment highlights everyone’s concerted efforts to raise people’ standards of living. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has designated all 6,650 of its villages, which are spread across 285 blocks in 20 districts, as ODF Plus Model, according to a statement released by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on September 29.According to the claim, implementing the ODF Plus Model throughout all villages in the UT is a significant milestone because it goes beyond simply building and utilising toilets to promote cleanliness through the management of solid waste and grey water in each hamlet. “To become an ODF Plus Model village, a community must progress through the three ODF Plus stages of Aspiring, Rising, and Model. The statement reads, “A village is designated as an ODF plus Model when it achieves a condition where it is aesthetically clean with little litter and standing water, aside from competent solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) and cleanliness awareness generation initiatives. The statement went on to say that sustainability in ODF Plus requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes infrastructure development, behavioural change, community engagement, financial sustainability, technology integration, and more. It also noted that sustainability in ODF Plus is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. “By embracing these principles, J&K can not only sustain its ODF Plus Model status but also maintain it for generations to come, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future,” the statement continued.
