Chandigarh, Aug 12 - This is one decision that will see millions of people in Punjab ease themselves comfortably.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Wednesday gave the go ahead to an ambitious project of constructing 300,000 toilets in over 12,000 villages across the state.

The project will cost over Rs.2 billion (200 crore).

Badal said the government was committed to eliminate the menace of open defecation in a progressive state like Punjab.

'This project has to be implemented as a mission. We should strive to provide ultra modern flush toilets to villagers to give them a sense of dignity and honour,' Badal told officials of the water supply and sanitation department at a meeting here Wednesday.

Neighbouring Haryana has already done pioneering work in rural areas of several districts to curb open defecation.