With only 18 days left to meet the targets for achieving the ODF (open defecation free) status for Chittoor, works for construction of toilets are going on in full swing all over the district. The State government has sanctioned ₹16 crore to clear the pending bills and to finish 66,000 more individual household latrines (IHHLS) by March 31.
Addressing senior officials here on Tuesday, Collector P.S. Pradyumna said all line departments should prompt the field-level staff and contractors to meet the deadline without fail, and they should be ready to make night halts at worksites if need be. He said it was a tremendous achievement with construction of 3.14 lakh toilets. With concerted efforts, the leftover target of 66,000 could be easily accomplished, he said.
The Collector, who made a whirlwind visit of Varadaiahpalem, Satyavedu, Pichatur and K.V.B.Puram mandals, inspected the IHHL works. He said he was confident of hitting the target. He said the mandals of V.Kota, Bangarupalem, Madanapalle, Nimmanapalle, Sadum and Pakala are also doing well in the direction of achieving the targets.
He said the number of NREGA workers had been enhanced from the current 1.30 lakh daily to 2 lakh, in order to avoid migration of the rural poor. The Collector further reviewed the fodder and drinking water issues in the rural areas.
