Udhampur, Nov 19: The Directorate of Rural Sanitation Jammu and Kashmir celebrated World Toilet Day on Sunday to underscore the importance of sanitation and hygiene. The event, held in Udhampur, was attended by DDCs, BDCs, PRIs, students and staff members of Government Higher Secondary School Barolla, locals, RDD staff and sanitation workers.
Addressing the gathering, the Director Rural Sanitation J&K Charandeep Singh highlighted the significance of World Toilet Day as a platform to raise awareness about sanitation challenges and promote effective solutions.
Emphasizing the role of sustainable practices, the director urged the community to adopt measures that contribute to long-term cleanliness. “Ensuring access to proper sanitation is not only a matter of health but also a fundamental right. We must focus on sustainable practices that go beyond just building toilets. It involves creating a culture of cleanliness and hygiene that lasts,” he said.
He emphasized that there was a critical need for sustainable sanitation practices to ensure the overall well-being of communities.
During the event, the Director launched Toilet Etiquette posters to be put on all CSCs. Various initiatives from Single Pit to Twin Pit, Compost Pits and Soak Pits, and projects aimed at promoting sustainable sanitation were showcased at Government Higher Secondary School, Barallo Udhampur. The Director also visited the GOBARdhan project in the block.
Singh called for active public support in implementing these measures, emphasizing that community involvement is essential for the success of any sanitation program.
Residents and community leaders attended the event, expressing their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote cleanliness. Discussions revolved around the need for collective efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Chairman DDC Lal Chand also emphasized the importance of sanitation. He said that sanitation in rural areas has improved phenomenally.
On the occasion, the Director asked the field staff to inform the public about the twin pit technology and conduct a survey for the construction of twin pits. Each twin pit beneficiary would be given Rs 6000.
The Director lauded the teachers for constructing a demo of a twin pit in school and making students aware and praised the students for participating in rangoli-making related to Swachhata and slogan writing competition.
Awards were distributed among the top-performing students in the slogan writing competition. Miss Gudiya Sharma got 1st, Miss Madhu Devi 2nd and Miss Manisha Devi 3rd position respectively in the slogan writing competition.
Students highlighted the importance of sanitation by participating in cultural programs organised by the authorities.
The director concluded the event by calling for a united front in the pursuit of sustainable sanitation practices. “Cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a lasting impact. Let us work hand in hand to build a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities,” the director urged.
As the World Toilet Day celebration concluded, the focus has now shifted to implementing the discussed initiatives and garnering continued public support for sustainable sanitation practices in rural J&K.
