PANAJI
The survey is likely to conclude by December following which the two rural government offices will adopt measures to ensure that toilet facilities are available to each Goan in the rural areas.
Speaking about the exercise, which is being undertaken in consonance with the Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan of the Central government, Director of Panchayats Sandhya Kamat stated, "The survey being conducted by DoP with the project director of DRDA. We are in the process of ascertaining the number of existing toilets as well as the requirement. Accordingly, we will decide whether to construct new toilets or to repair the existing ones."
She informed that the survey will begin with Bardez, Pernem, Quepem and two other blocks and will then move to cover Ponda and Salcete in round two. "By the beginning of December, all panchayats will be surveyed," she disclosed.
Director of panchayats, who is the mission director for the implementation of Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan, said that bio-digestible KTC buses could be used to provide mobile sanitation facilities in crowded residential areas. "We have discussed this possibility. But no plan has been drawn out yet," she said.
The plan to construct more community toilets, however, faces the issue of land acquisition. "District level committee headed by collector with panchayat deputy director as member secretary will work to revolve these land issues," DoP Kamat assured.
Under the 14th Finance Commission, panchayats can spend the Central funds on implementation of activities under the Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan such as garbage management, cleanliness and beautification. It was also learnt that Public Works Department, which previously directed the implementation of the Swachcha Bharat programme, has initiated work to construct 4,000-odd toilets.
