Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban 2.0 launches Revised Swachh Certification Protocols to sustain Open Defecation Free Status across Urban India

What is the News?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) has launched Revised Swachh Certification Protocols for ODF, ODF+, ODF++ and Water+ certifications under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.

What is Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0?

Launched by: Prime Minister in October 2022

Aim: To achieve “Garbage Free” status for all cities.

Components of the Mission: 1) Sustainable Solid Waste Management, 2) Sustainable Sanitation, 3) Used water management, 4) Information, Education and Communication(IEC) and 5) Capacity Building(CB).

Duration of the Mission: The Mission will be in force for five years from 1st October 2021 to 1st October 2026.

What are the revised Swachh Certification Protocols?

The revamped protocol contains provisions to encourage cities to have a robust infrastructure with reliable operation and maintenance(O&M) mechanisms to achieve the goal of a clean urban India. Key interventions against each certification include:

– ODF category: It focuses on a robust monitoring mechanism by increasing the number of survey sample sizes and location types.

– ODF+: focus on the functionality of community and public toilets and innovative O&M business model for their sustainability in the long run.

– ODF++ category: It emphasizes on mechanised cleaning of septic tanks and sewers, safe collection & treatment of used water as well as safe management of faecal sludge.

– Water+ category: Its focus will be on the collection, transportation, treatment and reuse of both used water and faecal sludge to prevent environmental pollution.

Source: The post is based on the article “Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban 2.0 launches Revised Swachh Certification Protocols to sustain Open Defecation Free Status across Urban India” published in PIB on 26th June 2022.