The Indian government has constructed nearly 40,000 km of rural roads using plastic waste, with 13,000 km completed in just the last two years, according to Vini Mahajan, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS). Speaking at a media interaction, Mahajan stated that over 55% of villages have been declared as 'ODF Plus Model', and there has been significant progress in greywater and plastic waste management, supported by the operation of around 5 lakh waste collection vehicles.

The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, aimed at promoting sustainable construction techniques. Mahajan highlighted these innovations as evidence of the country’s commitment to sustainability and sanitation.

She emphasised the importance of collective efforts from all Central ministries, states, and UTs in supporting the 'Swachhata Hi Seva-2024' campaign, adding that sanitation is a unifying issue that requires cohesive leadership from the national to local levels. Cleanliness, she noted, is an ongoing journey that requires continuous behavior change.

(ET)