Kerala set to become Open Defecation Free state by November

Kerala is all set to become country's second Open Defecation Free (ODF) state by November 1 this year, state Local Self Government Minister K.T. Jaleel said here on Friday.

Speaking at a national workshop on solid and liquid waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission, Jaleel said that the Kerala government has "taken up" the challenge and is aiming to become "India's second ODF State after Sikkim by November 1, 2016".

Underscoring the importance of effective waste management for health, economic progress and development of any nation, he said that the state is working hard on developing and implementing decentralized waste management models using low cost technologies, an official release said here.

In his address, Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ramesh Jigajinagi lauded Kerala's initiatives in collecting, segregating, treating and disposing garbage.

Noting that most villages of Kerala are doing this sustainably through vermin composting, biogas plants, soak pits, and water treatment practices, he said this can be emulated by other states too, the release said.

Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Parameswaran Iyer also spoke on the occasion.

--IANS

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