Open defecation-free target: KTR warns municipal chiefs of disciplinary action

Hyderabad: Minister for municipal administration and urban development K.T. Rama Rao warned municipal commissioners of ‘disciplinary action’, if they fail to meet the 100 per cent open defecation free (ODF) target by August 15 this year.

Mr Rao held a video conference with municipal commissioners from Secretariat to take stock of measures being taken to meet ODF target, condition of roads, sanitation, LED street lighting etc.

The disciplinary action includes imposing penalty, cut in salary and increments, promotions etc.

He directed commissioners to lay stress on sanitation in all towns and cities.

“The government will announce all municipalities as ODF by August 15. All municipalities have to meet this deadline. If not, municipal commissioners concerned will be held responsible and they have to face disciplinary and departmental action,” Mr Rao warned.

Stating that there was no shortage of funds to construct the required number of toilets to achieve ODF tag, he asked officials to even utilise funds collected under Land Regularisation Scheme for the purpose and the government will reimburse them soon after.

Mr Rao said municipalities in Madhira, Bhainsa, Bhongir, Ibrahimpatnam, Sathupally, Achampet, Huzurabad, Huzurnagar, Gajwel, Jagtial, Shadnagar, Sur-yapet, Siddipet, Siricilla, Bouduppal, Narsampet achieved ODF tag and asked remaining municipalities to emulate them to achieve the target.

The minister asked commissioners to lay special focus on sanitation in the monsoon season as any negligence would result in spread of seasonal diseases.

He directed officials to demolish dilapidated buildings posing threat to lives of people and clear encroachments on nalas.