Patiala awarded ODF++ certificate

Patiala, January 10

In the run up to Swachh Sarvekshan 2021, Patiala has been awarded ODF++ (Open defecation free ++) status by the Government of India. Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said the development had brightened the chances of Patiala to improve upon its all-India ranking in the ensuing Swachh Survekshan to be conducted by the government in the coming few weeks.

“The certification is the outcome of the third party inspection carried out from December 5th to 7th, 2020, by an independent agency. The city was assessed on various parameters as stipulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban development,” she added.

The ODF+ status was limited to ensuring proper maintenance of toilets while the ODF++ status signified safe collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of all faecal sludge and sewage, she said. “The city has highest number of public and community toilets in the state. Patiala is gearing-up for the five-star GFC (Garbage free city) certification and a higher ranking in the Swachh Sarvekshan,” she said. — TNS