4,800 villages in Gujarat declared Open Defecation Free

Emphasising on behavioural change training and involving Self Help Groups and development partners like the World Bank, Unicef and Tata Trusts, Gujarat has achieved a sanitation coverage of 73.75 per cent and 4,800 of its villages have been declared Open Defection Free (ODF).

"The officials of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation were appraised about it by state authorities when they recently visited Gujarat," an official statement said.

An exhibition showcasing various initiatives by the state government was also organized during the visit by the state officials on the occasion. They also made a presentation highlighting the State strategy.

"Inter Departmental convergence came up as an important tool being deployed. Special focus was given during the discussion to capacity building in community approaches. It was decided that 20 virtual classrooms will be set up in the State to further support this purpose. State presented detailed plan of identifying and training motivators up to the village level," the ministry said.

--IANS

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