Which Indian States Have The Best Sanitation Facilities?

Sikkim, one of the eight northeastern states nestled prettily in the eastern Himalayas, ranked first among the 28 states and seven union territories in terms of sanitation coverage for both urban and rural areas in households, schools, sanitary complexes and Aanganwadi centres.

It has done remarkably well to become India's first state with 100 percent sanitation coverage, according to a report of the drinking water and sanitation ministry.

"The state has also sensitized people to adopt a holistic approach to improve sanitation and hygiene for a clean environment while accelerating overall development in the state," the Sikkim government said in a statement.

The state has constructed 98,043 household latrines, surpassing the target of 87,014. Of these, 61,493 latrines have been built for below poverty line (BPL) families.

As many as 1,772 schools have been covered under the total sanitation programme. This was done under the central government's Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan sanitation drive.

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling launched a community-led total sanitation campaign in 1999 for achieving full sanitation in the 7,096 sq km area of the state. And, to encourage sanitation activities, the state government has instituted a "Nirmal Gram Puraskar" (Clean village award).

Also Read:
PM's 'Swachh Bharat' Campaign Bags 200 Crore From TCS, Bharti