Sikkim launches State programme for World Toilet Day

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: State Rural Development minister Arun Kumar Upreti launched the State programme for World Toilet Day campaign at a ceremony held in Gangtok on Tuesday. The campaign, aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation, will run from November 19 to December 10 with a focus on both individual household toilets and community sanitary complexes.

The programme was attended by Gangtok zilla adhyakshya Balaram Adhikari, Rural Development principal secretary D. Anandan, secretary Norzang Tshering, Education secretary Tashi Chophel, Swachh Bharat Mission- Grameen mission director Benu Gurung, Health director, ICDS director and panchayats.

Minister Arun Kumar Upreti, in his address, highlighted the importance of toilets in promoting public health and hygiene. He said that while most households in Sikkim maintain individual latrines in a clean and hygienic manner, community toilets are often neglected.

“Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) are public facilities used by all including during emergencies, and they need the same level of attention and care,” he said.

He expressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Chief Minister PS Golay has been critical with regards to cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation and health and to attain the goal, the PM launched Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014. Sikkim is the first State which has been declared ODF-free. Our State ranks top amongst all the Northeastern States, he said.

During a recent meeting in Guwahati, Union Ministers and leaders from other NE States commended Sikkim for its success and expressed interest in learning from its experience, Upreti added.

The minister emphasized the need for surveys to assess the condition of both household toilets and CSCs across the State. “We need to ensure that all toilets, whether individual or community-based, are properly maintained, hygienic and operational. Additionally, the issue of toilet wastewater being connected to local water sources must be prevented,” he stressed.

Upreti appealed to the panchayats, government officials and students to work together in maintaining cleanliness and upkeep both household and community toilets. He pointed out that while the campaign is scheduled to run until December 10, the commitment to cleanliness and sanitation should extend throughout the year.

D. Anandan said that the campaign, themed “Hamro Sauchalya, Hamro Samman” this year, is being launched at district and block levels as well.

The principal secretary said that there are over 600 CSCs in Sikkim and while constructing these facilities is not the challenge, their maintenance and operation pose difficulties. “Public toilets must meet essential parameters such as proper water supply, electricity, cleanliness and accessibility for people with disabilities,” he said. He informed that the State will implement a ‘pay and use’ system for all CSCs to ensure their upkeep.

Earlier, Benu Gurung made a power point presentation on IHHL, CSCs along with its status, objective of the campaign and way forward. She informed that till date since 2014, a total of 679 CSCs have been developed by the Rural Development department under SBM (G) which includes roadside amenities, schools, PHCs, PHSCs and religious institutions. Under Phase I, 7,362 IHHL were developed across six districts of the State, while the Phase II will see 14,570 being constructed.

There are many more in pipeline which the department plans to initiate shortly, Gurung added.