PM Modi’s vision of Swachh Bharat Mission Realized in Chhattisgarh: CM Sai
Raipur, January 11
The objective with which Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014 is now being realized in Chhattisgarh. Public awareness about cleanliness has significantly increased, and millions of households have constructed toilets.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attributed this achievement to the foresight and determination of Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized that the dream of a clean and developed nation envisioned by the Prime Minister is an important goal for the people of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh is steadily progressing toward becoming an ODF Plus model state, crossing new milestones daily. This is not just a goal but a lifestyle of cleanliness, contributing to both individual and national development. So far, five districts, 58 development blocks, and more than 16,000 villages in the state have achieved ODF Plus status.
The Chief Minister highlighted these developments while flagging off 10 de-sludging vehicles from his residence to strengthen sanitation efforts in rural areas. He also handed over the keys and documents of the vehicles to sarpanches and secretaries of various gram panchayats across 10 districts. These vehicles will be used for safe and efficient removal and disposal of waste from household septic tanks.
“A Major Step Towards Cleanliness and Health Improvement”
The Chief Minister expressed that this initiative will help curb diseases caused by unhygienic conditions in rural areas and called on citizens to support cleanliness efforts. He announced the establishment of fecal sludge treatment plants across the state to enhance waste management and protect the environment.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to making sanitation campaigns more effective under this new initiative.
“The Key Role of Sarpanches in Village Development”
Sharing his personal experience, the Chief Minister stated that sarpanches play a vital role in the development of villages. Reflecting on his journey from being a panch to an elected sarpanch, he stressed that gram panchayats are the foundation of development. He encouraged sarpanches and panch members to be proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities to transform villages effectively.
Deputy CM on the Impact of De-Sludging Vehicles
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the state’s continuous efforts to expand cleanliness initiatives. He noted that the introduction of de-sludging vehicles will significantly benefit rural residents and highlighted their necessity and utility.
Chhattisgarh: Leading in Sanitation Efforts
Chhattisgarh has always been a leader in sanitation programs. During Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the state constructed over 32 lakh toilets, achieving the national target ahead of schedule and becoming an open defecation-free (ODF) state. In Phase 2, Chhattisgarh is progressing towards becoming an ODF Plus model state.
So far, five districts—Durg, Kabirdham, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Janjgir-Champa, and Dhamtari—along with 57 development blocks and over 16,000 villages, have achieved ODF Plus status.
Fecal sludge treatment plants are being constructed across all districts to ensure proper waste management. These plants will process waste collected from septic tanks in surrounding villages. Families or institutions can contact these plants to empty their tanks, with user charges determined based on distance. Currently, 19 such treatment plants are operational in the state.