Nagaland
‘Freedom from open defecation week’ begins
![DC Mkg open defecation](http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DC-Mkg-open-defecation-300x157.jpg)
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, August 5 (EMN): Closed on the heel of achieving the distinction of open defecation free district, Mokokchung district began the observance of “Freedom from open defecation week” from August 9 to 15 under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
Organised by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Mokokchung Division, the weeklong programme was launched by Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Sushil Kumar Patel as the chief guest at Longkumer Kilem, Mokokchung, in the presence of WATSAN committees and village council chairmen from nearby villages.
![Freedom from Open Defection at Peren](http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Freedom-from-Open-Defection-at-Peren-300x169.jpg)
Deputy Commissioner has lauded the PHED Mokokchung officials and staff led by Executive Engineer, Er. Yanger Pongen, other departments and the citizens of the district for eradicating open defecation practices within a year. He added that ‘Open Defecation Free’ trophy goes not only to the departments but to the people. Patel also expressed his gratitude for the persistent efforts put by the WATSAN committees, the respective village councils to achieve the milestone.
Asserting that SBM is beyond ODF, he said materials given for constructing toilets was mean for changing our attitude. In this regard, he urged the citizens of the district to put more efforts towards making Mokokchung ‘a healthy district’ and ‘a healthy Nagaland.’
Bendangnukshi Longkumer, District Chairman of Swachh Bharat Mission, said much work remains to ensure every household have a hygienic toilet. “We have started the work and we will achieve it,” he asserted.
Executive Engineer of PHED, Mokokchung Division, Er. Yanger Pongen informed that there were more than 12000 households without proper sanitary toilets in the district when the mission began. He said the department managed to construct 12000 sanitary toilets till June 2017.
He credited the WATSAN Committee in the village levels, village councils, NGOs and the mass participation of people in achieving Mokokchung district an open defecation free along with three other districts namely Longleng, Zunheboto, and Kiphire.
During the week long observance, PHED, Mokokchung Division will be organising various activities in villages to create awareness on cleanliness and sanitation, Er. Yanger informed.
In a similar, Peren district began the week-long programme on “Freedom from open defecation” in Peren town organised by DWSM, PHED, Peren, with SDO (C), Peren, SaritaYadav, as the chief guest. The programme was sponsored by Swaach Bharat Abhiyan, PHED, Kohima.
Speaking at the function, SaritaYadav cautioned on the spread of diseases due to open defecation. She apprised on the importance of hand washing after defecation and called for educating the people and spreading awareness about the importance of maintaining a hygienic lifestyle.
The programme was chaired by IEC Consultant, DWSM, PHED. SDO, PHED, Er. SK Tep. Consultant Vito G Sema delivered a speech on freedom from open defecation and Er. Kashito Awomi pronounced the vote of thanks. Members from WATSAN committee, village councils, women leaders, teachers and the public attended the programme.