As the world observes World Toilet Day today, India’s sanitation efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) continue to stand out as a major example of large-scale reform. Over the past decade, the country has seen a significant shift in sanitation access, with sharp growth in Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus villages, expanded household toilet coverage, and stronger waste management systems.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of ODF Plus villages has risen to 5,67,708 — a 467 per cent increase since 2022 — while 4,692 cities have been certified ODF as of November 2025.
Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aimed to eliminate open defecation and strengthen waste management across rural and urban areas. By October 2019, all villages, districts, and states were declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), contributing to major health and economic gains. WHO estimates indicate 300,000 fewer diarrhoeal deaths in 2019 compared to 2014.

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/world-toilet-day-highlights-indias-rapid-sanitation-transformation/