Construction of toilets is very essential for health and self esteem, said ZP assistant Secretary Gopal here.

Speaking at an awareness programme under complete Cleanliness Scheme at Heggere in Tumkur, he said that many epidemics could be avoided if the the villagers start constructing toilets, he added.

Heggere village has been chosen for Nirmala Gram Puraskara of the 41 gram panchayats in the taluk. The benefits of the scheme include construction of toilets in every family and Rs 1300 as incentives for below poverty line families, he said.

The complete Nirmala Gram Yojane will be fulfiled only by the construction of toilets, he said. The village under this Puraskar will be benefited with the construction of toilets for every school, anganwadi, maintainence of sanitation at the drain areas and other benefits under the programme. The scheme will be implemented  gradually to other gram panchayats too, he stated.

Many epidemics such as Cholera, Malaria, Typhoid, and other diseases could be prevented by the construction of toilets, he said.

Incentives of Rs 1,200 were given to 70 beneficiaries who constructed toilets according to the scheme. Heggere gram panchayat president Vishwa Kumar presided over the function. Narasahanumaiah, Bettaswamy Gowda, Doddaiah, members of the Sthree shakti groups, villagers and other dignitaries were present.