Mega Campaign Launched On World Toilet Day To Transform Public And Community Toilets In All Urban Areas

The Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the Toilets 2.0 campaign on the occasion of the World Toilet Day (WTD), 2022.

The campaign was unveiled on 19 November at a national event held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

It aims to change the face of public and community toilets in urban India through collective action involving citizens and urban local bodies (ULBs).

Launching Toilets 2.0, Puri said: "India is set to go beyond the ODF (open defecation free) narrative. Clean and safe public restrooms and public spaces will improve the experience and quality of public life and that is why I am delighted to launch Toilets 2.0 campaign."

The Minister expressed confidence that all stakeholders would act together to make the campaign a resounding success.

Addressing the inaugural session, the Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi reminded the participants that the sanitation journey is a continuous one and requires institutional solutions. 

In addition, he said the ODF++ protocol and certification for cities is given to ensure that human waste is contained safely. Joshi added that already 25 per cent of India's cities had attained this status.

A 'Water Plus' certification is given to cities which do not discharge untreated used water into the environment.

Such initiatives align with the theme of the World Toilet Day, 2022, which is ‘Groundwater: Making the invisible visible’.

By the end of the mission, it is expected that 100 per cent of India's cities will be certified ODF++ and at least 50 per cent will attain the Water Plus status.

The Ministry's Joint Secretary, Roopa Mishra, said the campaign will energise and bring states, cities, and citizens together to take forward our rich sanitation legacy that will script the Toilets 2.0 journey of India.

Dignitaries from the Government of Karnataka also commended the Toilets 2.0 campaign and committed to active participation.