Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil today said the lives of 3 lakh children have been saved following construction of 12 crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Rural.

Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, the Minister said there are behavioural changes among 7 crore people with respect to using toilets due to an awareness drive taken up under the Swachh Bharat mission.

Quoting a WHO report, the minister said the lives of 3 lakh children have been saved and health of rural women also showed improvement. The minister further said over 12 crore personal toilets have been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Rural and it’s an ongoing exercise with the help of states.

The Minister also said efforts are underway along with states to take up construction of a water tank for the toilets, especially in water-scarcity areas. The minister added that over 5 lakh villages have become Open Defecation Free -Plus villages.