Manipur declared as Open Defecation Free state

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, October 2, 2018: Manipur has become the 23rd state to be declared as “Open Defecation Free (ODF) State” in the country said Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on the occasion of National Cleanliness Day and Declaration of ODF Manipur held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal today.

Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla handed over the certificate of ODF Manipur to the chief minister.

Recently, Google Toilet Locator was launched, which enable people to locate the nearest public toilet for would use when needed from their mobile in the state, added the chief minister. He mentioned that a clean and a healthy environment would contribute towards healthy society and healthy India.

The Swachh Bharat Mission is not just for a political party for any political gain, but such mission is for the people and the Nation to keep the country neat and clean. Let’s take pledge to make our country clean, said the chief minister.

Heptulla handed over the best Swachhgrahi to seven individuals for their selfless and outstanding in organising IEC (information, education and communication) campaign on sanitation and safe drinking water.

Heptulla led others to offer floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

She said the present generation should try to imbibe the virtues of tolerance and humanism from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi for a better world order. Gandhi proved that non-violence is the most powerful sword. His philosophy of non-violent agitation and civil disobedience not only led his own country to independence but also influenced political activists throughout the world, she added.

Biren said the year-long celebration to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi has begun under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh, ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials and others attended the function.

Later chief minister, deputy chief minister, cabinet ministers and MLAs attended the observance of National Cleanliness Day at Manipur Secretariat Complex, Imphal. The function was organised by GAD.