The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation convened a Roundtable Conference on Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The meeting brought together State Ministers and officials from 28 States/UTs to review progress and chart the next phase of rural sanitation.
Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil praised collective achievements and stressed innovation, waste-to energy, and climate-resilient sanitation. He emphasized that SBM-G and JJM together ensure sustainable sanitation and water security. With every rural household receiving tap water through JJM, effective greywater management under SBM-G becomes crucial. The ODF Plus Model focuses on quality of life, health, and dignity for rural families.
Minister of State Shri V. Somanna credited SBM-G’s success to collective action of States, Panchayats, and communities. He emphasized deepening behavior change, strengthening O&M systems, and empowering youth and women as Swachhata leaders.
Secretary Shri Ashok K. K. Meena highlighted that the mission’s future depends on data-driven, citizen-centric approaches with community ownership at its heart. From Panchayats to women leaders, all should act as change agents. Additional Secretary Shri Kamal Kishore Soan stressed verified data and regular field reviews, emphasizing that sanitation is a daily habit requiring continuous community engagement.
Major SBM-G Achievements:
81% of villages are now ODF Plus Model Villages with 91% having Greywater Management systems, 84% having Solid Waste Management systems, and 67% blocks with Plastic Waste Management coverage. GOBARdhan biogas plants have expanded, with 11 States/UTs reporting 80-100% operational capacity.
Best Practices Shared:
States presented innovative solutions, including Himachal Pradesh’s cluster-based waste management in Dharamshala, Odisha’s women-led waste management with Su-Nano e-vehicles, Bihar’s “Kabadmandi” digital platform, Karnataka’s GOBARdhan models, Gujarat’s women-led ODF+ initiatives, and Maharashtra’s Tiger Biofilter greywater treatment technology. The next phase will focus on sustaining ODF gains, building on Swachh Sujal Gaon, enhancing visual cleanliness, and moving towards complete waste management solutions for Viksit Bharat.
