District Development Commissioner Poonch, Mohammad Aijaz today informed that district Poonch has made a first beginning in its journey under ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’. Block Sathra, comprising of 10 panchayats is the first block in this hilly border district to achieve 100% target by constructing 3488 IHHLs along with this, 8 more panchayats have been declared ODF today.DDC congratulated the people of Block Sathra and the officials who remained dedicated to meet this uphill task. In this regard DDC had convened a meeting recently and set targets for each block. Keeping a focus on the targets, 18 panchayats have been declared ODF.Pertinently under the guidance and supervision of DDC the remaining task of constructing 1207 IHHL toilets was completed in record time of five days in tough topographical conditions in 10 panchayats.DDC appreciated the Block Development Officer (BDO) Sathra Vahid Iqbal, Supervisor Vimaljeet Singh and his whole of team for their tirelessly efforts in spreading awareness by visiting house to house and inspiring people towards construction of IHHL units
He said that there were certain challenges in achieving the goal due to tough topography plus convincing villagers to break their old traditional practice and construct and use toilets was also a herculean task, he added.From District Panchayat Officer and Block Development Officer to VLWs, GRSs, and local inhabitants all were remained highly active in accomplishing the ODF mark.While appreciating the field functionaries, DDC reiterated for added zeal in efforts and said that this is not the end adding that maintaining sustainability and breaking old traditional practice is still remain a difficult task. He informed that students/researchers of physiology from degree colleges will be assigned the task of study the factors responsible for behavioural changes among people so that corrective measures shall be taken for maintaining sustainability.He hoped that with same zeal the whole district achieved the target of ODF.