In culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva programme, Nagaland state has declared Open Defecation Free State (Rural) across the country, thus becoming the 4th state in the North-East and the 22nd state across the country to declare ODF free state at the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October 2018. The ODF Declaration programme was held at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima with Shri Jacob Zhimomi, Hon'ble Minister, PHED Nagaland as Special guest. The Minister in his speech acknowledged the PHED department’s engineers, officials and staff for their contributions and efforts towards this achievement and propelling the state to newer heights. The Minister also gave away awards to Ten (10) best ODF villages (122 villages in total) in each District of Nagaland.