Newmai News Network Senapati | March 27 Manipur Pubic Health Engineering (PHE) Minister, Losii Dikho declared Senapati district as the first “Open Defecation Free” (ODF) district in the State at a function today held at Mini Stadium, Senapati. Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Dikho stated that the flagship program of the government under Swachh Bharat Mission has been achieved due to cooperation and participation from the people of the district. As such, he viewed that Senapati district can be categorized among the most progressive district in Manipur and appealed the people to maintain cleanliness. Nidhi Kesarwani, IAS, Secretary, PHED in her speech congratulated the Water and Sanitary Committee members for their contribution in achieving the milestone. She also informed that the government is funding for solid liquid management project for Open Defecation Free villages so that garbage can be processed and disposed scientifically. In his Presidential speech, Athem Muivah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati gave credit for the achievement of ODF status to the concern PHE Minister, PHED officials and Water & Sanitary Committee members. The total number of villages in Senapati district which have declared ODF is 136. The Sub-Divisional breakup of the villages declared as ODF is as follows: Mao- Maram – 89, Paomata – 20, and Purul – 27. The ODF function was attended by DLO’s, PHED officials, Water and Sanitary Committee members among others.