Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C R Patil Reviews Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen Progress in Himachal Pradesh

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil, chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation and progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) in Himachal Pradesh. The discussions focused on achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus Model status, strengthening waste management infrastructure, and implementing sustainable sanitation solutions across the state.

Himachal Pradesh ranked 21st among 34 states in ODF Plus Model progress. Out of the state’s 17,596 villages, 15,832 (90%) have been declared ODF Plus, with 11,102 (63%) achieving ODF Plus Model status. The remaining villages are targeted to achieve ODF Plus Model status by March 2025. The Minister emphasized the need for rigorous ground verification processes and ensuring the functionality of Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) assets to sustain and improve sanitation outcomes.

The review highlighted the state’s progress in waste management:

Come into Solid Waste Management (SWM), 78% of HP villages have arrangements of solid waste management. The Minister stressed on ensuring the operational readiness of facilities such as segregation sheds and waste transport vehicles as well as on the need to levy user charges and hand over maintenance of the SWM facilities to SHGs.

With 86% of villages managing grey water treatment, the state was urged to address identified gaps, particularly drainage endpoint solutions especially in the plains of the state.

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Progress in Plastic Waste Management (PWM) in Himachal Pradesh requires urgent attention. With only 35 of 88 blocks catering to Plastic Waste Management arrangements the state was directed to expedite the establishment of remaining PWMUs and promote partnerships with EPR mandated recyclers and cement industries for improved efficiency. The state was also encouraged to promote use of plastic waste in road construction as per IRC norms.

Additionally, the Minister urged the state to further construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) to ensure last mile inclusion and to cover all population groups. He also called for swift action on finalizing the O&M policy as well as the FSM policy in the state. He stressed on the need to bring the desludging operators under the ambit of registration and strict enforcement so that faecal waste is not evacuated in unsafe environments.

The review also examined financial utilization under SBM-G, the Fifteenth Finance Commission, and MGNREGS. The Minister highlighted the need for optimal resource utilization and encouraged innovative approaches such as the co-treatment of fecal sludge and wastewater in urban STPs.

The Minister recognized Himachal Pradesh’s efforts under the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR), with 324 hospitality units already rated. He suggested extending this initiative to all HPTDC hotels, to promote sustainable practices in the state’s tourism sector.

In this closing remarks, he reminded the group of the way forward of this mission that is not just a campaign but a movement towards a healthier and more dignified India. However, the road ahead requires collective effort, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. He urged the state to expedite its initiatives, particularly in waste management and sanitation infrastructure, while ensuring robust operations and maintenance frameworks. “Together, we can make Himachal Pradesh a model for sanitation excellence, contributing to the broader vision of a Swachh Bharat”, HMoJS added.