Date:02/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/02/stories/2005100207130500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Sanitation campaign to be launched today

Staff Reporter

To be implemented at a cost of Rs. 297.50 crores in 24 districts

BANGALORE: The State will launch the Union Government-sponsored Total Sanitation Campaign on Sunday to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who had laid stress on public sanitation and hygiene.

Minister of State for Rural Water Supply and Panchayat Raj B. Satyanarayana told presspersons on Friday that schools and anganwadi centres in rural areas will be provided with hygienic facilities and students will be motivated to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings. Villagers will be educated on the need to promote healthy living by creating clean environs. Families living below the poverty line will be given toilets. Materials required for the purpose will be supplied through rural hygiene stalls.

The Minister said the campaign will be implemented in the next four years at a cost of Rs. 297.50 crores in 24 districts barring Mysore, Dakshina Kannada and Raichur.

The State's share will be Rs. 67.07 crores to benefit 4,111 village panchayats. So far, the Centre and the State Government have released the first instalment of Rs. 56.79 crores and Rs. 8.93 crores, respectively, he said.