Vizag to be declared Open-Defecation Free (ODF)

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is going to declare Vizag Open Defecation Free (ODF) on the 2nd of October. This was the deadline set by the state.

The GVMC has constructed the highest number of individual toilets in the state. “On October 2, we will make a preliminary declaration of the city as ODF. The Quality Council of India will make a certification,” Municipal Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan informed the media.

A total number of 12,720 toilets were planned for construction but only 12,000 toilets have been completed. The project of construction of toilets has been taken under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Swachh Andhra Corporation. Before the plan was executed a survey was done which identified a total number of 197 open defecation points in Vizag. Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) under USAID also carried out a study on the reasons for open defecation.

“Wherever it is not possible to construct IHLs, community toilets have been provided,” Added Mr. Hari Narayan.

This a step forward to a clean and healthy Vizag. Kudos to GVMC!