Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 12: Ensuring access to clean drinking water and promoting environmental health, the Rural Development Department (RDD) Budgam today demolished half a dozen lavatories located near freshwater streams in Raithan village of the district.
Acting on the directives of the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), who also oversees the Rural Waste Management Programme in the district, the department carried out the demolition.
Officials said the initiative aims to safeguard water sources that are at risk of contamination due to poorly placed sanitation facilities.
It is worth noting that, despite J&K having been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) years ago, several villages continue to use dry latrines and practice open defecation.
Many of these facilities are situated alarmingly close to streams and other drinking water sources, locals said.
The J&K RTI Movement (RTIM) has extended its support to the action taken by ACD Budgam and the Block Development Officer (BDO) Khansahib.
Chairman and Founder of RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, said it is unfortunate that dry latrines and improperly constructed toilets continue to threaten both public health and the environment.
“Faecal waste from such units often ends up in our streams and water bodies. This concern has already been highlighted in the Doodhganga case, currently being examined by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). I appreciate the action taken by ACD Budgam,” he said.
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