Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Oct 28, 2024 16:28 [IST]
RANGPO,: The Rangpo Nagar Panchayat in the Pakyong District has officially declared all five of its wards as Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+), a significant achievement aligned with the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. This accomplishment is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban (2.0), an initiative aimed at enhancing sanitation standards and hygiene across urban regions in India.
The ODF+ status reflects that all public spaces and households within the jurisdiction of the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat meet the cleanliness standards that go beyond basic open defecation control.
According to the Ministry’s ODF+ protocol, this status not only requires the infrastructure to support proper sanitation practices but also necessitates ongoing maintenance and behavior change efforts among residents to ensure the consistent use of toilets. Achieving this milestone demonstrates the commitment of the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat to ensure improved sanitation and healthier living environments.
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort involving government officials, local authorities, and the active participation of the residents of Rangpo. Extensive community outreach programs were conducted to educate citizens about the importance of sanitation, along with the installation of sustainable toilet facilities. This proactive approach helped to ensure that public areas remained clean and free from any open defecation, setting a benchmark for hygiene that other regions can aspire to.
The Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban (2.0) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, focuses on creating sustainable sanitation systems in urban areas. The ODF+ certification received by Rangpo not only brings the region closer to this national vision but also places it as a model community for neighboring areas striving toward similar goals.
With the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat’s recent declaration, East Sikkim sets an exemplary standard in sanitation and hygiene management, reinforcing the government's commitment to a cleaner and healthier India.
