New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Friday met Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar here and sought increased funding under the National Rural Drinking Water Supply projects to the state.
He said the state was close to achieving the government of India's vision of providing 70 litres per capita per day water in all human habitations.
An official statement quoting Singh said the state was committed to provide adequate drinking water to every household.
A project proposal entailing expenditure of Rs 3,500 crore and funding from the New Development Bank had been prepared for covering the remaining habitations.
Singh urged for the ministry's assistance in early approval of the project by the bank.
The Chief Minister said Himachal will be formally declared open defecation-free on October 28 at a function in state capital Shimla, where the Union Minister will also be present.
He demanded liberal developmental funds for zila parishads and panchayat samitis since these bodies did not have resources of their own.
