Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Nov 20: "Awareness on cleanliness has to happen through educational institutions. Toilets need to be provided in educational institutions and hostels. The rural areas have become free of open defecation now. The project of constructing toilets with two pits is a welcome move. The work of creating awareness on this needs to be done," said B M Sukumar Shetty, MLA, Byndoor constituency.

Sukumar was speaking after inaugurating the taluk level celebration of World Toilet Day and annual cleanliness celebration of Vandse gram panchayat which was organized under the joint auspices of rural development and Panchayat Raj department, Kundapur taluk panchayat and Vandse gram panchayat at Government Model Higher Primary School premises.

Continuing his address, Sukumar Shetty said, "Converting waste into resource is a model experiment of Vandse gram panchayat. It is a fact that the issue of sand is a hindrance for development. The shortage of sand has hit the construction of toilets also. We, the delegation of MLAs of undivided Dakshina Kannada district have met the central environment minister. He has assured us of solving the sand issue soon."

Pratapchandra Shetty, MLC, who was chief guest of the occasion said, "The ambitious dream of 'Clean India' of Mahatma Gandhi is getting materialized today through Vandse gram panchayat. The whole state is curious about Vandse gram panchayat. Awareness on cleanliness is spread among the people. When each and everyone exhibits consciousness in personal hygiene and use of toilet, then rural Karnataka will become open defecation free. The president and staff of Vandse gram panchayat have done a commendable job in this regard."

Priyanka Mary Francis, DC of the district, said, "Every job depends on our state of mind. Success can be achieved through positive thinking. Last year when Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) project was to be implemented as a pilot project in Vandse, the president and villagers showed exemplary enthusiasm. Today because of the participation, Vandse is recognized at international level. It is really an achievement that waste is collected from each and every house of this village. Today this scheme is implemented at 45 places in the district of Udupi. Dry and wet waste is being separated at 12 places. In 28 areas only dry waste is being collected. In total, 650 tons of waste is collected. Rupees 12.5 lac collection is made due to collected resources.

K Babu Shetty, president of standing committee of education and health of zilla panchayat, Narayan Gujjadi, president of social justice committee, Shivanand Kapasi, executive officer of zilla panchayat, Srinivas, chief planning officer of zilla panchayat, Udaya G Poojary, member of taluk panchayat, Indira Shetty, Vasudeva Pai, Uday Kumar Shetty, president of Vandse gram panchayat, O R Prakash, zonal education officer, Sabladi Manjayya Shetty, president, Vandse agricultural service cooperative society, Sharada Rudraiah Acharya, vice-president, gram panchayat, Baby, supervisor of women and children development department and Dr Vishrant Shetty, medical office of health center were present.

Roopa Gopi, development officer of gram panchayat welcomed the gathering. Kiran Padnekar, executive officer did the introduction. O R Prakash, zonal education officer, administered the oath. Dr Vishrant Shetty demonstrated the way of washing hands. Supervisor and activists of SLRM unit and those who cooperated in the project were felicitated on the occasion. Raju N, physical education teacher compered the programme. Shankar Acharya, secretary of the panchayat rendered the vote of thanks.