The main motive for observing this week was to create awareness among the general masses regarding pure drinking water. 

The DC, Leh also released pamphlets with role of ASHAs, village water sanitation committee members as well as simple tips for saving water and for sanitation on the occasion.

Executive Engineer PHE Tashi Tundup speaking on the occasion said that the idea behind observing this week-long programme is to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining clean drinking water and sanitation habits. Comparing the toilet facilities and system in Leh with other parts of the country, Tashi said that we still need to maintain cleanliness of our toilets and surroundings to keep ourselves healthy.

 

Talking further about the pure sources of water in Ladakh he said that Ladakh has the habit of maintaining cleanliness of its pure source of glacier and springs since ages which now needs to continue with added responsibility and also expressed concern over the growing water pollution due to close settlement of army and labourers near these glaciers and spring water. He further suggested finding a solution with collaborative support of public and their representatives like Sarpanches and Nambardars.

 

These announcement vehicles educated about the importance of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, ways of hand washing techniques before and after eating food, after using toilet, after blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, after handling animal waste, after handling uncooked eggs, raw meat, poultry or handling raw fish.

 

It is informed that washing, hands with soap can reduce water borne diseases up to 70 percent.

  

On the occasion Superintendent Engineer, Leh, Executive Engineers and other officials of PHE department were also present.

This week was being celebrated by Communication & Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), Water & Sanitation Support Organization (WSSO) in collaboration with Department of PHE, I&FC, Government of J&K under the aegis of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.