File Photo: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
To check the practice of open defecation, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today directed local bodies to impose a fine on those who defecate in open despite having toilet facility.
Addressing a function of distributing cheques of grants to all municipal corporations and municipalities in Gandhinagar, Ms Patel asked local bodies to expedite the work of completion of building toilets.
"State government has given sufficient grants to the local bodies to build toilets. However, I noticed that there are still some districts which are lagging. I want all the 8 corporations and 159 municipalities to make sure that the target (of building toilets) is achieved by this May," she said.
The Chief Minister said once every house will have toilet facility, fine will be imposed on those going for open defecation.
On land acquisition processes for developmental works, she said local bodies should not be wary about acquisition of land (referring to ongoing debate regarding Land Bill) from locals, as it is their responsibility to undertake the works.