Patna: Pledging to construct 1.21 crore toilets over next five years covering all households in Bihar, the state government today vowed to end the practice of defecation in open places by 2019 as a token of tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

"As many as 40 lakh toilets have been constructed in Bihar under various state and Central schemes and 1.21 crore more toilets will be constructed over next five years to ensure to meet the target of one toilet per household," Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Mahachandra Prasad Singh informed the state legislative assembly.