For Vasai-Virar, open defecation may soon be a thing of the past

Open Defecation would soon see a full stop in Vasai Virar if the VVMC sticks to its aggressive mode of constructing toilets for people who have applied for it, under the Swach Bharat Abhiyaan.

Till now, they have filled in 66,920 applications, which includes both those who themselves approached the civic body and those who were approached by the VVMC. The number also includes 15,191 people who were found openly defecating during the survey conducted.

The work has started in full swing and around 150 toilets (single unit) have already been completed while work is in progress for around 400 units.

Sources confirm that the survey, to identify the people who need such units, was conducted by the civic body itself to save time, as appointing a third party for such a task would have invited tender process which would have further delayed the implementation of Swach Bharat Abhiyaan.

The target for completion of the project is being set as October 2, 2019 and the plans have been accordingly made.

The VVMC has received the initial 25% amount, Rs 3.56 crore, required to push the implementation of this project. An average of Rs 20,000 to 22,000 would be required to construct each unit.

Of this, the state government would contribute Rs 8,000 and the Centre would contribute Rs 4,000. The remaining amount would be funded by the VVMC.

While speaking to ADC, Sukdeo Darveshi, Member Secretary of Swach Maharashtra Abhiyaan Kaksh guided by the VVMC, said: "Out of 115 wards, we have been able to convert 32 wards as open-defecation free and are aggressively marching towards the target. Wards are being designated as ODF based on the reports of the sanitary inspector and the engineer in charge of that particular ward."