SRINAGAR: A mega event to observe the culmination of the 'World Toilet Day-2024' campaign, celebrated under the theme 'Toilets: A Basic Right for Every Citizen,' was today organized at Block Khonmoh of Srinagar District by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Jammu & Kashmir.
The event, presided over by Anoo Malhotra, Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K was also attended by Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director Rural Development, Kashmir; Dr Mantasha Binti Rasheed, Deputy Director Rural Sanitation Kashmir, senior officials of the department, stakeholders, and locals.
The campaign highlighted the significance of ensuring access to safe sanitation as a fundamental human right, aligning with the culmination of the 21 days- long campaign on World Human Rights Day. It also aimed at raising awareness about sustainable sanitation, equitable access to toilets, and strengthening community participation.
Various activities over the past 21 days, including awareness drives, Swachhta pledges, cleanliness campaigns, and community-led sanitation initiatives, were carried out across the Union Territory. Addressing the gathering, the speakers lauded the efforts of the Directorate of Rural Sanitation and stakeholders for their dedication toward achieving the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G). They emphasized the importance of collective action to ensure sanitation for all, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
"Access to clean and safe toilets is not just about sanitation; it is about dignity, equality, and human rights. I commend the dedication of all stakeholders, from the grassroots level to policymakers, in driving this mission forward," said the DG Rural Sanitation. The campaign witnessed active participation from local communities, social workers, school children, and civil society organizations. Special focus was laid on behavioral change through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives.
Key highlights of the event included health camp for sanitation workers, felicitation of Swachhta Workers who made exemplary contributions to promoting sanitation practices, nomination of Swachhata Ambassadors, unveiling of Booklet on the World Toilet Day 2024 Campaign- highlighting initiatives taken across all the 20 districts of J&K during the 21-day long campaign, distribution of sanitation kits among the workers and skit play by a theatre group.
Exhibition of products produced from biodegradable waste was among the products displayed for the visitors at the Community Center, Khonmoh. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to the sustenance of ODF Plus Model under SBM-G, ensuring sustainable sanitation and zero landfill practices across Jammu & Kashmir.
