CM directs steps to ensure open defecation-free state by March 31
Saturday, 20/01/2018
https://dailypost.in/news/punjab/cm-open-defecation-free-march-31/
Chandigarh – Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder has directed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department on Friday to ensure accomplishment of the government’s goal to make the state Open Defecation Free (ODF) by March 31, 2018. He has also ordered the department to take steps to ensure clean drinking water for all, besides 24×7 water supply in 100 more villages annually.
With 13 districts having already achieved the goal, the government was on way to positively achieve the target of declaring Rural Punjab Open Defecation Free by 31st of March, 2018, Captain Amarinder said here while chairing a meeting to review the ongoing schemes and projects of Water Supply and Sanitation Department. The Chief Minister lauded the fact that Punjab had facilitated more than 85 pc of the total beneficiaries to opt for the Bath-cum-Toilet under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) scheme.
Reviewing the progress of the Surface Water Supply Scheme, being undertaken at a cost of Rs 232.11 Crores in 85 villages of Moga, the Chief Minister instructed the department to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time to ensure quality water supply to households. On being apprised about the problem of mixing of sewage water with drinking water, Captain Amarinder also ordered immediate upgradation of the system to ensure proper sewage and water supply to the residents of Mehraj in Bhatinda district. He directed the department to come up with a comprehensive plan for sustainable water supply mechanism in the area in particular, and the state in general.
