Swachh Andhra is our mission, says Ayyanna Patrudu

“But for the elimination of open defecation and achieving 100 per cent sanitation, people’s participation is vital,” added Mr Patrudu. On Tuesday, Mr Patrudu inaugurated a state-level workshop on ‘How to steer Andhra Pradesh towards open defecation-free status,’ which had seen collectors of various districts and state ministers.

 

“We are going to construct 13 lakh toilets each year over the next four years to make every house in the state to have a toilet. Besides construction of toilets, 100 per cent utilisation of them is important,” Mr Patrudu added. Rural development minister Kimidi Mrunalini said that people are slowly getting on to the track with the Swachh Bharat mission. Principal secretary PR and RWSS, Dr K.S. Jawahar Reddy exhorted about the importance of local leadership. 

 

“Behavioural change in public also plays a key role in making the state Swachh Andhra,”  he said. IAS Officer Aarti Dogra explained how she achieved 100 pc defecation-free status in Bikaneer district where she earlier worked. Another IAS officer, Ganesh Mishra from MP, also shared the experiences on best practices.