Arunachal Pradesh creates history by becoming the second open defecation free state after Sikkim, before the national deadline of October 2, 2019. With the remaining three districts – Upper Subansiri, Siang and Changlang declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) officially on Sunday, the state is now defecation free.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu had cut short the ODF target ahead of the national target and set 31st December 2017, as the final target to achieve ODF in Arunachal Pradesh.
The project undertaken under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) SBM (G) saw effective implementation after the State Government extended additional incentive of Rs 8000 per toilet in addition to state matching share and the support given by Government of India raising the cost to Rs. 20,000.
“The herculean task has been possible with the active support of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, constant monitoring by Minister PHE and WS Bamang Felix, Commissioner PHE, Chief Engineers, Deputy Commissioners, PRI members, NGOs, Youths, target beneficiaries, other stake holders and the undying spirit of the team of officials of the implementing agency the PHE and WS Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh,” Khandu said while crediting the accomplishment to the people.
“I am personally overwhelmed to find people participating in construction of toilets even in remote villages along the international borders like Vijaynagar, Taksing, Pipsorang, despite communication bottlenecks requiring strenuous trekking for days together carrying construction materials along with ration on headload,” Khandu added while congratulating the people and the department of PHE and WS for achieving the rare feat.