Sonam Chosjor-District Panchayat Officer, Leh: Under Swachh Bharat Mission, the cleanliness drive is carried out in two sectors both urban and rural area.  We are working and carrying out the campaign in the rural/gramin sector. There are three components in Swachh Bharat Gramin Sector namely Individual household latrine, Community Sanitary Complex, and Solid-Liquid waste management.

 

In individual household latrine, an amount of ₹12,000 per household is facilitated as an incentive to construct a toilet.  From the total amount of ₹12,000, ₹10,800 is provided under centrally sponsored share and ₹ 1,200 under state share. 

 

In plain areas, it is necessary to build flush system washrooms whereas in Leh and Kargil because of the climatic condition we can build the dry traditional system toilet.

 

In community sanitary complex, the department provides necessary sanitary related requirements at the community level. The requirements of toilet rooms or other sanitary needs at the community hall, religious place, and social gathering place are provided in this component.  To build it, ₹ 2 Lakh financial assistance is provided under which ₹1.20 Lakh under Central Share, ₹60,000 under State share and ₹20,000 by the community are met. 

 

The solid-liquid waste management component is not yet implemented in our region. This has not been started because under this provision the government has to submit the design and project which is not finalized. In Srinagar and Jammu, the project has been carried out whereas in Leh and Kargil it will take time. This is because the design needs to be different due to the different climate and topography as compared to the rest of the states.  We are consulting some experts to prepare the design and hopefully, the work will start this year.

 

Under the schemes, the government sets a target of no. of toilet facilities that will be constructed. The target is set on the basis of the baseline survey that was carried out in all parts of India in the year 2011-12. According to the survey, a total of 3300 individual household latrine requirements has been shown for the Leh district. The requirement is completed in the year 2016-17. Apart from the survey, our staff during their field visit has come out with more than 1,400 toilet requirement which needs to be fulfilled. 

 

Almost all the funds under state share are covered but we still have a liabilities of ₹ 1 crore under central share. 

 

The provision of toilet facilities under the scheme has not been categorized on the income ceiling of the household,  the need is met as per the demand. 

 

The traditional dry local toilet is more user’s friendly in our region because it can be used year round.  The only thing is, it needs to be maintained. In rural areas, it is adopted and used because the waste or the manure is used in the fields also. 

 

As compared to the rest of the areas, I feel that in Ladakh there will be no household who don’t have a toilet facility. The problem of open defecation is not a very big issue in rural but yes it can be in urban areas. The problem of toilet facilities is seen mostly with the nomads of the Changthang region because they usually shift with their livestock from one place to another and the provision of toilet facilities becomes impossible.  We are working on solving this problem.

 

The mission or the scheme is not just about providing toilet facilities or sanitary complex rather it is more into making people aware and to bring behavioural changes in keeping oneself and the environment clean and hygienic. 

 

We also conduct cleanliness campaign in different areas involving the community people, school children and also educate them about the cleanliness.

 

To build a community sanitary complex there is a problem of land.  People are resistant to providing land and many have no land.  We carry out this project mainly during large religious or social gathering areas. 

 

The construction of toilet facilities carried out is checked and monitored. A picture is taken before and during the commencement of work and lastly one after the completion. The payment is done only after the completion of the construction.

 

On a pilot basis, we are trying a new kind of solar compost toilet facility which is designed and shaped in such a way that the waste can be dump once after every 5 to 6 years. The process of composting of waste will take place in the toilet itself. Instead of water, the waste is flushed with sawdust.  A vent attached with exhaust fan helps to reduce the unpleasant odour.

 

The toilets tend to be more expensive than conventional toilets. One unit is on trial in Achinathang village, if it gets success we will replicate in other areas also. 

 

 

•    People should be educated about the need and importance of personal hygiene and a clean environment.

 

•    Cleanliness drive and awareness campaign are very important to encourage and motivate people.

 

Tundup Dorjay MC Inspector: The toilet facilities and the sanitation of the urban sector are taken care by Municipal Corporation. We have seven public toilets and 7 to 8 urinals in Leh town.  The toilet facilities of the Leh town are the flush system. It is true that in winters it is closed because of the climatic condition thus to solve the problem we are working on a provision of solar based toilet facility which will work around the year.

 

One will be constructed at Old sabzi mandi area and another one in the Eco- Municipal Park in Leh main market.  If this two get success then we will adopt the same technique in rest other areas. 

 

A urinal will be also built in the polo ground and a toilet facility in Old bus stand and Skalzangling area.

 

In areas like Skampari, Maney Tselding, Skalzangling of the Lower Leh, because of the labour and rent facility without any proper facility has created a huge mess. To check and control,  a committee has been formed by the Police, Labour and MC department to inspect and ensure all the basic sanitation facilities.  We have started the checking, in which at first an ultimatum will be given to build and provide the needed facility as per norms, failing to do so will be charged with fine and action.

 

We are also going to conduct an inspection in all the complexes and building who are providing shops on rent in and around the Leh market. This will be strictly followed in the days to come because it is mandatory to provide a toilet facility in all the buildings and complexes of Leh town area. 

 

 

•    People should be cooperative along with the department to keep the surroundings clean. 

 

•    The owners of the complexes, building, and rooms should provide rent along with the needed sanitation facility.

 

•    MC jurisdiction should be extended so that the stress on the town area will be reduced.