''Clean Thane district'' by March

Thane, Nov 4 (UNI) Thane Zilla Parishad president Kashinath Patil has said that various programmes will be undertaken in the district to ensure a ''clean Thane district'' by March next year.

Mr Patil told a press conference here today that a week-long ''Cleanliness Drive'' will be undertaken in the district starting November 13.

Special ''kirtan'' programmes will be organised by the zilla parishad during the week to spread the message of cleanliness.

Health camps, too, would be held at 407 centres.

Thane Zilla Parishad vice president Kapil Patil, its CEO Subash Hazare, and Resident Deputy Collector S S Bhise were also present at the press conference.

Mr Kashinath Patil, said a total cleanliness drive has been launched in the district since 2005 and the gram panchayats of Mahalune, Asve and Pokhran have received the Presidents award for the same. Another 89 gram panchayats in the district have been recommended to the government for the awards, he said.

By the end of March next year, we want to ensure that the entire district becomes clean, he declared.

Mr Hazare informed that a sum of Rs 100 crore has already been disbursed to the various gram panchayats towards achieving that objective.

Kapil Patil said the district administration's efforts have received whole-hearted support of the tribals from the district.

UNI XR MAZ VKG1819