51 blocks declared open defecation free

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 10

Chief Minister Harish Rawat felicitated public representatives and other officials on declaration of 51 development blocks in five districts as Open Defecation Free (ODF) areas.

Rawat, while addressing a programme in Dehradun today, said regular monitoring was required for he success of the Swachh Bharat Mission. A provision would also be made in the budget to revive non-functioning toilets.

He said it was a pledge of his government to make the entire state ODF by January 26, 2017. A collective effort was needed for the purpose. He added cleanliness was connected to faith and called for making it part of daily life.

Uttarakhand Potable Water Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani said the state had moved up to the third place from 13th in the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission list.

Union Joint Secretary Satyavrat Sahu said Uttarakhand has achieved 97 per cent of its target under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The state had done a remarkable job in the past two years, he added.

Swachh Bharat Mission Project Director Ashish Joshi, Additional Director Ashish Shrivastav and Unit coordinator SS Bisht were present at the programme.