Question: Which of the following state is set to become the first State in the country to make all of its urban areas ‘Open Defecation Free’ by 2 October 2016?
(a) Mahrashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Ans (d)
Related facts:
- Accoding to the releases made by Ministry of Urban Development on 30 April 2016, Andhra Pradesh is set to become the first State in the country to make all of its urban areas ‘Open Defecation Free’ by 2 October 2016.
- This landmark will be achieved by Andhra Pradesh marking the two years of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- During the review, it emerged that Andhra Pradesh which has been in the forefront of construction of toilets in urban areas can make all 100 municipalities Open Defecation Free by October 2 this year as per the action plans in progress.
- There is 13 districts and 110 municipalities in Andhra Pradesh.
- As against the Mission target of construction of 1,94,336 individual household toilets in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh, work has started in respect of 1,53,779 and construction of 1,04,732 toilets has already been completed.
- In addition to the central assistance of Rs. 4,000 per toilet, Andhra Pradesh Government is extending assistance of an additional Rs.11,000 per toilet giving a big boost for the programme.
- In respect of Solid Waste Management, out of the total wards of 3,458 in 110 municipalities, 100% door-to-door collection and transportation of such waste is being done in 3,072 wards i.e 89% of total urban wards in the state.
- The State Governments has also awarded works for construction of 10 Waste to Energy Plants for generating 63 MW of power from the 6,440 tonnes of municipal waste being generated per day in the state.
Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=142599
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/ap-to-be-open-defecation-free-byoct-2/article8541652.ece