GUWAHATI, Aug 6 - In an effort to achieve universal sanitation coverage, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Managing Director Siddharth Singh to expeditiously complete the construction of toilets.
At a review meeting held in the conference room of his chamber at Janata Bhawan, Sonowal also took stock of climatic factors like flood and incessant rain that has hit hard the construction of toilets, and assured all possible help in completing the construction on a war footing.
Though around 24 lakh toilets have been constructed since he assumed power in the State, Sonowal reiterated that constructing toilets for households and motivating people to adopt a healthy and hygienic lifestyle would go a long way in taking the Swachh Bharat Mission to its logical conclusion.
Sonowal, however, asked Singh to make extra effort like engaging more masons for completing the construction of the toilets. He also asked the Managing Director to involve more women along with NGOs and SHGs for the construction of toilets, in a bid to evoke a sense of responsibility among the people.
The Chief Minister also took stock of the district specific progress of toilet construction and asked Singh to adjudge the districts as first, second and third depending on their performance, which in turn would inspire others to construct expeditiously.
It may be noted that financial incentives will also be given as an acknowledgement for good work.
Singh gave a presentation on the progress of implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission, explaining the target of making Assam open-defecation free by 2019.
Sonowal also reviewed the progress of the piped water schemes in the State. Under Mission 100, the State government aims to launch 100 water supply schemes on a single day. Sonowal also asked the PHE department to develop a maintenance legacy for water supply schemes for their sustenance.
