Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh is set to become the first state in the country to make all of its urban areas 'Open Defecation Free' by October 2 this year, marking the two years of the launch of 'Swachh Bharat' mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The state officials gave this assurance during a review of progress of Swachh Bharat Mission in all the 110 municipalities of Andhra Pradesh by Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (Urban Development) at Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

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[I]t [has] emerged that Andhra Pradesh which has been in the forefront of construction of toilets in urban areas can make all 100 municipalities Open Defecation Free by October 2 this year as per the action plans in progress.

As against the mission target of construction of 1,94,336 individual household toilets in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh, work has started in respect of 1,53,779 and construction of 1,04,732 toilets has already been completed.

In addition to the central assistance of Rs.4,000 per toilet, the Andhra Pradesh Government is extending assistance of an additional Rs.11,000 per toilet giving a big boost for the programme.

Regarding Community and Public Toilet seats, as against the mission target of 4,614 seats, work has started on 3,887 seats and 1,952 seats have already been constructed.