Phase-II of SBM-G focused on ODF Plus model including solid, liquid waste management; Industry should focus on the waste-to-wealth model: CR Patil
September 23, 2025
Need to ensure sanitation and hygiene become inseparable from India's growth story, particularly in tourism sector: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
NEW DELHI, 23 September 2025: Mr CR Patil, Minister of Jal Shakti, Govt of India today emphasized that the role of industry and institutions is very crucial in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing via video message at the ‘9th ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards & India Sanitation Conclave 2025’, Mr Patil applauded the efforts of India Sanitation Coalition under the ‘WASH’ category in last 10 years. “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Swachhta’ today has become a Jan Andolan. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), more than 12 crore toilets have been built so far in the country,” he added.
Mr Patil further stated that the second phase of SBM-G is focused on ODF Plus model which includes both solid and liquid waste management in order to build ODF Plus model villages. “Swachhta is not just about cleanliness, but it is also about the dignity of people and their health. It is the collective efforts of the government, industry and institutions that can help achieve the vision of a clean and healthy India. I urge industry and institutions to direct their focus towards adopting a waste-to-wealth model in order to provide solutions required by the sector,” he highlighted.
Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt of India, addressing through video message, said that India today stands proudly as one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. “If India wishes to continue its rise as a global tourism hub, then sanitation cannot remain merely a health or infrastructure agenda. It must become an integral part of tourism development, a clean and well-managed environment at our temples, monuments, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and cities is not only essential for public health but also for creating memorable visitor experiences,” he added.
Mr Shekhawat further stated that these initiatives are crucial; by transforming heritage and tourist sites with modern sanitation, waste management and hygiene practices, we are turning them into models of sustainability and national pride. “The road ahead involves both innovation and responsibility. The coming decade must be about scaling up innovative solutions, fecal sludge treatment plants in small towns, plastic waste management systems at popular places, and behavioural change campaigns. We need to ensure that sanitation and hygiene become inseparable from India's growth story, particularly in tourism, because a clean India is the true face of our incredible India,” he emphasized.
Mr Ashok KK Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, said as India moves forward, government, stakeholders, partner like ISC-FICCI are working towards ensuring that all villages become ‘Swachh, Sujal and Swasth’ villages. “We are in the process of designing the criteria and the vision of Swachh, Sujal and Swasth village, as it will play an important role in taking us to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat in 2047. This will include dignity and respect for every individual, securing safe sanitation and healthcare along with building a healthier and more equitable India,” he added.
The path forward, he said, will require focus on stronger community participation, local government involvement, greater use of low-cost but effective technology and climate-smart solutions. “Robust operations and maintenance systems for water supply and sanitation will be very important,” he added.
Padma Vibhushan Dr RA Mashelkar, Chair Awards Jury stated that Swachh Bharat Mission Phase-III carries forward the vision of sustaining India’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister. It aims to transform villages and cities into garbage-free spaces, embed technology in waste management, ensure the dignity of Swachh Mitras, and promote behavioral change for a cleaner and brighter tomorrow, he added.
Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, India Sanitation Coalition and Past President, FICCI said that India's rapid urbanization has amplified pressures on its cities. “With nearly one-third of India's population living along the coasts, which also account for 60 per cent of the nation's FDI inflows, strengthening the resilience of coastal cities is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic imperative,” she added.
Ms Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI said, “India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) today stands at the heart of the WASH ecosystem in India and continues to grow stronger, bringing together government bodies, corporates, academic institutions, and development partners as collaborators who can drive impact to the very last mile. Sanitation is not just seen as infrastructure but as a pathway to dignity, health, and economic growth. FICCI has amplified ISC’s initiatives while also underscoring its active role in driving social development alongside economic progress.”
Ms Natasha Patel, CEO, India Sanitation Coalition delivered the welcome address and moderated the session.
During the event, ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards 2025 were announced along with the release of a compendium.