Declaring Saharanpur division as open defecation-free (ODF), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that by October 2, majority of the districts of the state would be declared ODF. He said this would be a big step forward in fulfilling the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Saharanpur is the first division of the state whose all districts have been declared open defecation-free. In becoming ODF, Saharanpur has created history by constructing 2.73 lakh toilets. This has motivated people to use toilets rather than go out in the open to attend call of nature,” Yogi said while addressing a function organised at PNT Centre in Saharanpur on Sunday.
The Chief Minister congratulated the officers and workers associated with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, saying without their help the district administration could not have achieved the target.
“Earlier, only 23 per cent people had toilets but now around 99 per cent people have toilets in their homes in UP. We are moving forward at a great pace and hope that by October 2, 2018 the whole of Uttar Pradesh would be declared open defection-free,” the Chief Minister said, adding that this would be a step towards translating the dream of the Prime Minister to have a clean and health India.
During the function, the Chief Minister gave certificates to the beneficiaries of Antyodaya programme, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme, Ayushman Bharat scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
On this occasion, UP Cooperative Bank gave a cheque of Rs 3.57 lakh to the CM Relief Fund.
Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Cane Development Minister Suresh Rana, AYUSH Minister Dharam Singh Saini and other party leaders were present at the function.