Mangaluru declared open-defecation free city, certificate given to MCC

Pics: Daya Kukkaje 

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 29: Mangaluru city was declared as open defecation free here at a formal program held at Mangaluru City Corporation on Wednesday September 28.

The certificate of open defecation free city for the next six months was handed over to the Mayor, Harinath and other dignitaries on the dais by project manager of quality council of India Abhinav Yadav.

Addressing the gathering chief whip of legislative council MLC Ivan D'souza said, “The government through various program has been creating ill effects of open defecation. As a result of this there has been decrease in open defecation. The state and central governments have spent lot of money for this purpose. Today because of the joint efforts by both the governments there has been decrease in open defecation.”

“There are many number of public, pay and use toilets but the number is not enough for the population. So I urge the city corporation to increase the number of public toilets in city. By making our city open defecation, we should uphold our dignity. I congratulate the Mangaluru City Corporation and I urge member of parliaments to construct public toilets in the railway station.”

Member of Parliament Naleen Kumar Kateel said, “I congratulate the Mangaluru City Corporation for this achievement. Our Prime Minister initiated the Swach Bharat mission. Mangaluru City Corporation and people of Mangaluru have made this successful. It is because of the joint efforts of all the members of corporation, MCC has got this recognition. It is not possible to make a city clean by imposing rules and regulation.”

“A city cannot be clean if mayor, MP or MLA decides it to be clean. It is the people who have to decide that they will maintain the city clean. Thus awareness program should be undertaken. In previous survey Mysuru was ranked the cleanest city and I am sure next Mangaluru will be ranked the cleanest city. I congratulate both the governments for their efforts and vision.”

Mayor K Harinath presided over the function. Two sewer cleaning jetting machines were also flagged off on the occasion.

Deputy mayor, Sumithra Karia, MCC commissioner, Mohammed Nazeer, health committee chairman, Kavitha Sanila and others were present.

Udupi City Corporation ranked first for being open defecation free

Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Sep 29: Udupi City Corporation has been declared the first among the 57 city corporations in the state for being open defecation free under clean India campaign. The Quality Council of India made the announcement and handed over the award.

Head of Quality Council of India, Abhinav Yadav who presented the award to corporation president Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje said that inspections were held in all the city corporations in the state. Pictures were secretly taken from bus stands, railway stations, private and public places using GPS within Udupi City Corporation limits. "Discussions were held with citizens before the announcement. The pictures were sent to Delhi through internet. Citizens have helped to make the place free from open defecation."

Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje said that 56 toilets have been constructed within corporation limits. More places have been identified for construction of toilets and an amount of Rs 40 lac is set aside for it. Notices have been served to the owners of private lands to construct toilets for workers on the basis of population. Those who have not constructed toilets have been warned of strict action. The cooperation of the citizens has helped in securing the award.