Karkala: Udupi district has achieved a significant milestone by being declared Karnataka’s first Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus model district, as recognized by the Department of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation. The status was granted in acknowledgment of the district’s sustained commitment to cleanliness, waste management, and environmentally conscious sanitation practices.
The recognition was earned through focused efforts on household-level waste segregation, establishment of composting units, and setting up plastic recycling centres, all of which have enhanced public hygiene and sustainable waste management throughout the region.
This feat comes under Phase-2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), where districts that maintain ODF status while efficiently managing solid and liquid waste qualify for ODF Plus status. The model stresses not just the presence of toilets but also scientific disposal, reuse of wastewater, and recycling of solid and plastic waste.
Karkala and Hebri taluks, already declared ODF Plus earlier, led the way with successful systems. The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Nitte gram panchayat emerged as a model for efficient waste handling.
Udupi’s 246 villages had earlier achieved ODF status, ensuring universal toilet access. Gradual improvements in wastewater drainage and door-to-door garbage collection helped gram panchayats declare themselves ODF Plus. Following independent verification, the district received official recognition.
Speaking on future goals, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal emphasized integrating new technologies and promoting clean living habits. He also highlighted potential income opportunities for women’s self-help groups via the SLRM programme, with initiatives to create products like pipes, biodiesel, and bio-CNG from waste.