Arunachal will become defection free state by 2018- Khandu
Itanagar
The Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that by 2018, Arunachal Pradesh will become an open defecation free state of the country. He informed the department of PHE is implementing the programme and will ensure the target. Khandu was speaking at a function organised by Itanagar Municipal Council at the state Banquet Hall on Thursday.
” From being the 3rd dirtiest city to become the 216th cleanest city in the country in just one year is a significant achievement made by the state capital complex, thanks to the ‘Team Arunachal’ motto adopted by the Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC), Capital Administration, NGOs and individuals.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu profusely thanked and congratulated all involved in achieving the milestone
“I have been always saying milestones are reached working in a team. IMC has proved it in a year! My salute goes to all involved,” Khandu said. He also congratulated the NGOs who voluntarily joined the campaign and contributed to the efforts jointly put in by the IMC and district administration.
Khandu hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had launched the Swach Bharat Abhiyan in 2014, and said the cleanliness drive was seriously taken by state governments and the difference can be physically witnessed countrywide.
He informed that the Prime Minister is serious with all schemes and programmes announced and has made it mandatory for the Chief Ministers to submit reports on actions taken and achievements made once in two months.
“With Modiji as the Prime Minister things have changed. There is a drastic change in work culture. Even if I am the Chief Minister, under him (Modi) I have to work as any other officer,” he pointed.
Khandu asserted that sanitation is not only the responsibility of the government, the IMC or the district administration but also the citizens. He called upon each and every individual to take responsibility of keeping their surroundings clean and help the system work efficiently.
“The state capital is the face of Arunachal. Do we want it dirty?” he questioned and beckoned all to take the city from the current 216th position to the top ten in the coming year.
He assured full support and cooperation to IMC in all its endeavours and urged the Council members to utilize the funds granted judiciously.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein stressed on creating civic sense amongst the citizens and called for the leaders to set examples. He said if leaders, officers and responsible citizens exemplify their civic sense first, common people will follow.
Mein said Gandhiji had emphasized the importance of sanitation years ago and we are learning now. He called all to follow the advice of Gandhiji and pledge to keep the surrounding clean.
Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia and Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin also congratulated IMC for the achievement and asserted that now the target should be to reach the top ten cleanest cities of the country.
