Abhilash Chandran By

KOTTAYAM: With the open defecation-free (ODF) programme in the state, launched by Suchitwa Mission, nearing its culmination, Kerala is all set to cross yet another milestone: to become the second ODF state in the country.

If every thing goes as planned, the formal announcement in this regard will be made as scheduled on November 1 itself.

The formal declaration is likely to be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on the 61st formation day of the state. The ODF programme, which is a part of the implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in the state, was launched in line with the Prime Minister's Swachh Bharat campaign.

According to the Suchitwa Mission sources, Kannur and Thrissur will be announced as the first ODF districts on the 147th Gandhi Jayanthi Day on October 2.

With the works across the state progressing in full swing, the ODF programme is in its final stage in almost all the districts.

While Kannur completed the construction of 92 per cent of toilets, Alappuzha and Thrissur are in the second and third places with 73.39 pc and 72.39 pc of the construction works completed respectively. Suchitwa Mission executive director Dr Vasuki told 'Express' that construction will be expedited in the coming days to complete the works post-haste.

“Though, we had a lull during the Onam days, we are expecting the rate of construction to pick up in the next 10-15 days. We are facing some big challenges in Idukki and Wayanad, owing to the remoteness of the place and high transportation costs of the materials. However, we hope to complete the mission by November 1 itself,” she said.

In Kannur, 69 out of total 71 panchayats have already been declared as ODF, which is followed by Thrissur, where 50 of the 86 panchayats have become ODF. Wayanad is in the last slot, as none of the total 23 panchayats could achieve the goal, with Idukki and Kasargode in the next two positions.

However, authorities concerned expressed hope that the programme would be completed as per scheduled.

Earlier, the total outlay of the project was `273.42 crore (`15,400 per unit). However, 39,120 units across the state incurred an average additional expense of `25,491 per unit, which in turn, entailed an additional burden of `99.72 crore.