Kohima: PHED minister Noke Wangnao today formally launched national rural drinking water and sanitation awareness week here at a function held at Capital Convention Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, PHED minister said Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has decided to launch this weeklong awareness campaign across all states of India. The reason being, many villagers across India, have low awareness, pertaining to rural drinking water and sanitation like safe handling of water, to use water only from safety water sources, to conserve water, to participate in the operation and maintenance of water supply system and safe disposal of human excreta, the importance of washing hands with soap, to keep their houses and surroundings clean.
In this, the minister said the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India decided to launch this awareness campaign country wide to generate general mass awareness, especially targeting the people from the rural villages.
Noke said the state government and particularly PHE department has made elaborate action plan in this weeklong campaign both at the state level and at 11 districts in the state. “My department will engage NGOs like women hoho, WATSAN members/church leaders and officers from other social sector departments like school education, health and family welfare and social welfare to make it more effective,” the minister said. Noke was optimist that through this weeklong awareness campaign, “our rural people will be motivated and to live a better and healthy life.”
R. Binchilo Thong, principal secretary PHED in his address called upon the women to be a good ambassador to spread awareness on safe drinking water and good sanitary practices. Thong also asked the municipal council to direct all the hotels, restaurants have proper toilets and also paid and use toilet is made compulsory in the market complex in the state capital.
Earlier, Er. Kevisekho Kruse, chief engineer PHED delivered keynote address. Ruokuovotuo Angami, Naga Idol 2.07 presented a special number while Dreamz Unlimited performed a short play on good sanitary practices. Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyü pronounced invocation prayer. The function was chaired by Er.K.G. Sumi, director WSSO, PHED while vote of thanks was proposed by Er J Walter Longchar, additional chief engineer PHED. Earlier, students from different schools participated in the awareness rally from High school junction to secretariat junction with banners and display cards.
