Himachal to achieve total sanitation before target date – Jairam Thakur

Shimla: Given the task of turning Himachal into an Open Defecation Free (ODF) State by 2012, the state is likely to achieve the target within the current year itself, Jairam Thakur – Minister for Panchayati Raj stated in the state assembly today.

In reply to a question by Ramlal Markanday (BJP) during question hour, the minister said that of the 3243 panchayats in the state as many as 2157 had been made ODF. The total sanitation drive was in full swing and we hope to achieve the target of making the state ODF free within 2010, he added.

At the same time the minister mentioned that the central government under Sampoorna Swachata Abhiyan (Total Sanitation Drive) has fixed a target of achieving ODF by 2012.

Ghumarwin block in Hamirpur district had received the nirmal gram award till January 31, 2010 while case of 15 other blocks were under consideration for the top national award for next financial year he said.

The sanitation drive was launched in Himachal in 2000 from Sirmaur and subsequently was extended to other 11 districts of the state.

The minister said that despite limited funds being provided by the central government, the sanitation drive was running successfully in the state.

He added that against an demand of Rs 149 crore presented by the state for the program, the central government had allocated a meagre Rs 29 core from start of drive in 2000 till Janaury 31, 2010.

Ravinder Makhaik

As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.

Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.