Page 58 - CIJ Dec 2023 - Digital Edition

Sanitation

World Toilet Day
A Day of Awareness & Action

orld Toilet Day, NGO Initiatives in India: Swades Foundation: Dedicated
observed annually to empowering rural India, this
on November 19, Balajee Sewa Sansthan, foundation constructs toilets in
aims to highlight Dehradun: This NGO has been impoverished households. Aiming
Wthe critical global instrumental in constructing to effect lasting, positive change for
sanitation crisis and the importance affordable toilets in the Patna and one million rural Indians every five
of access to safe, clean toilets. This Lakhisarai districts of Bihar. With to six years, the foundation adopts a
day is especially in India, where over 1650 toilets built, the Public holistic approach to development.
a portion of the population lacks Health Engineering Department of Gram Chetna Kendra, Jaipur,
proper sanitation facilities, Non- Bihar closely monitors this initiative. Rajasthan: Their efforts are
Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Rotary Club of Madras focused on building public toilets
play a pivotal role. Magnum: Their focus is on building and educating communities about
The 2023 theme, ‘Accelerating or renovating school toilets for proper hygiene practices. They strive
Change,’ draws inspiration from underprivileged students. Poor to provide equal access to social
the story of a hummingbird trying sanitary infrastructure often leads to and economic opportunities for a
to extinguish a large fire with school dropouts, particularly among dignified life in rural Rajasthan.
water droplets from its beak. This girls. By improving toilet facilities,
World Toilet Association (WTA):
tale underscores the idea that even the club aims to empower girls and The WTA highlights the importance
small contributions can be part of ensure uninterrupted education.
solving significant problems. The of toilets in daily life, emphasising
2023 campaign also urges various Swachha Bahuuddeshiya their role in sanitation and hygiene.
governments, businesses, and Sanstha: This organisation This global perspective reinforces the
organisations to support the Water champions cleanliness and health critical nature of the issue at hand.
Action Agenda, introduced at the while constructing public toilets. It World Toilet Day is more than a
UN 2023 Water Conference in fosters community involvement and day of awareness; it is a call to action
March. World Toilet Day serves as raises awareness about sanitation for improving sanitation globally,
a collaborative platform to tackle issues, expanding its reach to address benefiting millions who currently
global sanitation challenges. broader societal challenges. live without basic facilities.

CIJ

DECEMBER 2023•Clean India Journal
58 www.cleanindiajournal.com