KOCHI: The state will be made completely free from open defecation by November 1, assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. While attending a video conference with district collectors on Friday, the Chief Minister said that achieving 100 per cent sanitation was given topmost priority.
“For total sanitation, 21 lakh toilets are required. Given the state’s present situation, that number is not big and unachievable. There is lack of toilet facilities even in city areas,” he said. Mr Vijayan instructed the district collectors to chalk out an action plan with the support of local bodies in this regard.
The collectors have also been instructed to address three major issues on a priority basis which includes steps to prevent water-logging and ensuring proper drainage, proper maintenance of roads with heavy traffic and permanent shelter homes for the destitute who are now living in the open.
“A meeting of local body chiefs, officials of health and agriculture departments should be convened ahead of monsoon. In case of destruction of agriculture crops in heavy rains, the report should be readied in 24 hours and steps have to be taken for disbursal of compensation,” it has been instructed.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also informed the officials that a monitoring system would be set up soon in the Chief Minister’s office to look into the lapses with regard to the functioning of district administration.
“District level planning panels should be constituted soon for smooth implementation of Five Year Plan projects and functioning of the committees has to be under the guidance of collectors,” he added. Three monthly meetings — of local body chiefs, of health officials, of agriculture officials — in the presence of collectors have been made mandatory.
