Residents of Koverapalem village enthusiastically participated in a ‘Walk of Pride’ rally held by the district administration and local people’s representatives in TP Gudur mandal limits here on Tuesday to mark the occasion of the village being declared free from open defecation.
With this, Koverapalem became one of the 100 villages and habitations in the district that had got toilets for all their residents under the Atma Gouravam and the Swachh Bharat programmes.
Locals’ participation
Sharing the success with the residents, Panchayat Raj Principal Secretary Jawahar Reddy and District Collector M. Janaki accompanied by a host of officials took part in the Walk of Pride event. Students and youths held placards and raised slogans in support of development activities in their village.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mr. Jawahar Reddy said that rapid strides being made in the Atmagowravam programmes was possible because of the active participation by the local people more than the encouragement given by officials and field staff. He underscored the need for greater participation by residents in other villages also in this unique programme.
Stating that the Nellore region was known for agitations and movements in the prohibition, thrift and literacy areas, Mr. Reddy said that a similar campaign was now needed for making the entire district open defecation free with all residents getting toilet facilities.
Collector Janaki said that the participation and success of Koverapalem residents would be an inspiration for the residents of all other villages and such activities were now taken up in over 275 villages in the district.
