Lucknow: The Yogi government has introduced a new policy aimed at strengthening rural sanitation across Uttar Pradesh. This initiative focuses on the effective operation and long-term maintenance of sanitation assets in village panchayats to fully achieve the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The government is working rapidly to enhance solid and liquid waste management, plastic waste disposal, fecal sludge management, and the construction of biogas units under the Gobardhan project. Additionally, efforts are being made to streamline the construction and maintenance of individual and community toilets.
Significant Progress Towards Declaring Villages ODF Plus
The Yogi government has made remarkable progress in declaring all villages in the state Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus. Through funds from the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), the 15th Central Finance Commission, the State Finance Commission, and MGNREGA, Uttar Pradesh has successfully declared all its villages ODF Plus. Out of the total 96,174 villages in the state, 85,827 villages have been designated as model ODF Plus villages. A drafting committee, chaired by the Director of Panchayati Raj, has been formed with the support of development partners and departmental stakeholders to draft the new policy. Under this policy, waste management at the gram panchayat level will be made more effective to ensure that sanitation achievements remain sustainable. This initiative will strengthen all rural sanitation efforts and elevate the standard of cleanliness in village panchayats.
Empowering Gram Panchayats for Self-Reliance
One of the key benefits of the new policy is enabling gram panchayats to become self-reliant in sanitation management. Clear guidelines will be provided to panchayats for maintaining the sanitation assets in their respective areas. This will ensure that no toilets, waste management centers, or drainage systems become defunct, and all facilities continue to function efficiently. Additionally, the establishment of biogas units under the Gobardhan scheme will promote clean energy production in rural areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of sustainable development by transforming waste into valuable resources.
Improving Rural Living Standards Through the Yogi Government’s Initiative
The new policy aims to integrate sanitation into the regular governance framework of gram panchayats rather than treating it as a temporary campaign. This policy will significantly improve the living standards of rural communities, particularly benefiting children, women, and the overall well-being of villagers. A robust plan for solid and liquid waste management will ensure clean drinking water and a hygienic environment, reducing the prevalence of diseases. The Yogi government’s policy is a major step towards making rural India cleaner, healthier, and self-sufficient. The government’s goal is to make all gram panchayats completely sanitation-sufficient by 2025, which will not only enhance health and environmental benefits but also strengthen the rural economy.
Promoting Organic Farming and Sustainable Development
The Yogi government, in collaboration with various development organizations, technology partners, and social organizations, aims to effectively implement this policy. This will not only improve sanitation in villages but also promote innovation and sustainable development. The new policy will establish a permanent and effective sanitation system in Uttar Pradesh’s rural areas. Through this initiative, sanitation will become an integral part of everyday life rather than just a government program. The policy marks a significant step in establishing Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s cleanest and most prosperous rural states.
