Government release Rs 57.70 crore for sanitation infrastructure

RAIPUR,CG(INDIA): Acting on the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Arun Sao, the Chhattisgarh government has released ₹57.70 crore to improve sanitation infrastructure and raise public awareness about cleanliness in urban areas. Of this, ₹42.58 crore has been allocated to 144 urban bodies for the repair and upgrade of 1,389 public toilets, ensuring they are clean and well-equipped. Additionally, ₹15.12 crore has been sanctioned for the maintenance of community toilets under the Swachhta Makeover Scheme.

Funds have been released from various departments to accelerate the urban cleanliness campaign, improve waste disposal systems, and promote awareness among citizens. The work will focus on repairing, maintaining, and equipping public and community toilets with essential facilities.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that public toilets are more than just infrastructure—they are a vital part of daily life. He criticized the previous administration for neglecting these basic facilities, which had deteriorated to unusable conditions. He affirmed the current government's commitment to providing a cleaner, healthier urban environment and making citizens more conscious of cleanliness.

Sao also mentioned that cleanliness efforts are being conducted in mission mode through the identification of Cleanliness Targeted Units (CTUs) at crowded public areas like markets, bus stands, and intersections. Over 550 such locations have already been addressed, with penalties introduced for repeat littering. Regular reviews are being conducted to ensure improvement in toilet facilities.

Urban Administration Secretary Dr. Basavraju S. and officials across urban bodies have been directed to ensure full implementation of these initiatives. To boost public participation, funding is being provided under the IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) head for creative awareness efforts such as wall paintings, waste-to-art displays, and beautification projects. Community engagement is being strengthened through events like street plays, plog runs, and cleanliness campaigns involving schools, NGOs, and self-help groups.