CM vows to make Assam one of the cleanest states in the country

Taking part in Assam Conference on Sanitation (ASCOSAN) 2017, a major event of Swachh Bharat Mission organised in association with UNICEF, Chief Minister Sonowal said that he wants to make Assam one of the cleanest States in the country. Sonowal said that 5 lakh 60 thousand toilets have been built in the state as part of Swachh Bharat Mission and another 17 lakh toilets will be built in the next few years to achieve the goal of making Assam an Open defecation Free (ODF) state. Sonowal also said that the State Government is making all efforts to make Swachh Bharat a reality in Assam in the earliest possible time. Stating that cleanliness is next to godliness Sonowal urged the Deputy Commissioners and Panchayat Presidents to commit themselves to the cause of making their districts and panchayat areas clean zones where the people adopt hygiene and sanitation practices as a way of life.  Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presenting the Cleanest Village Award to Rangsapara Village in Goalpara  at ASCOSAN 2017 at Veterinary College Ground, Khanapara The CM also announced that Champion Deputy Commissioner and Champion Panchayat President awards are instituted to foster competition and the best performance in the field of sanitation will be awarded. Former Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar Birendra Mittal received the award for Lakuwa Block in Sivasagar which was declared the first Open Defecation Free Block in the state. Cleanest Village Award has been initiated from this year to encourage the communities. Rangsapara in Goalpara District was awarded as the cleanest village in the state for 2016-17. Three journalists were also awarded for their contribution to cleanliness and hygiene practices through news reporting.