Brihnmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) today claimed the number of major open defecation spots across the city has been reduced significantly in last two years due to its sustained efforts and that it aims to completely free the megalopolis of the menace in near future.
According to BMC, the number of major open defecation spots stood at 20 now from 118 two years ago, which were mainly located on the plots owned by government departments and agencies.
"To make the city Open Defecation Free, we are striving hard and have launched several initiatives and therefore we are hopeful to end this menace very soon," the civic body said in a statement.
"In all administrative 24 wards, there were 118 open defecation spots in October 2014 and 98 spots have been freed from this menace by constructing toilets at these spots.
"The reduction amounts to 83 per cent. Rest 20 spots would be made freed very soon by our restless efforts and active cooperation from the people of the city," said Kiran Dighavkar who is designated to carry out the drive against the open defecation.
According to Dighavkar, the major open deification spots are in Colaba, Bhandup, Chembur, Malad, Kurla and Andheri.
As per the statement, the BMC has a plan in place to eradicate "this social evil by building toilets."
Among the areas that are now free of open defecation are Dongri, Pydhonie, Chira Bazar, Bhendi Bazar and parts of Marine Drive.
In its fight against the practice, the civic body recently roped in Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for its Open Defecation Free (ODF) drive.
As part of the drive, Khan will extend support to the BMC in keeping the megalopolis clean, in tune with the Centre's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign.
He will also donate five state-of-the art mobile toilets for the campaign to assist the civic body.
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