World Water Day celebration by WaterAid India by lauching handwashing Campaign

Wateraid India
New Delhi, Indnia, Global/Internet, 22 Mar 03

WaterAid India’s Handwashing Campaign

World Water Day Celebrations, New Delhi

March 22, 2006

“Water and Sanitation are crucial elements of life. We need to conserve every drop of water, said Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development in his inaugural address to commemorate World Water Day, 2006. He reaffirmed the importance of handwashing that helps controlling diarrheal diseases. He urged that the campaign be developed into a movement where children, PRI members, women and community leaders have a very important role to play. He recognized the role of the NGOs in promoting and taking such initiatives forward. Dr. Singh flagged off the nation wide campaign on Handwashing through leading a pledge on washing hands during critical times. The programme was jointly organized by WaterAid India and UNICEF on 22nd March, 2006 at Russian Cultural Center, New Delhi.

Dr. Kiran Bedi, Member of Indian Police Service and Directorate General of Home Guards and Civil Defence, New Delhi made a very powerful appeal to the Hon’ble minister in her talk as special guest of honour. She said “it is very important that water is conserved as it is a scarce resource”. As a person closely associated with NGOs and working with women and children for whom water is fundamental for life, she appealed for a single window to be set up in the government that will address all issues pertaining to water similar to the initiative being taken with regard to the industry. Industry becomes important because it strengthens economy but water is equally important as it quenches thrust and is basic to human life. She also urged that the Union Minister have regular consultations with the NGO sector to understand the nuances of the problem and to work together to provide solutions.

Welcoming the chief guests and dignitaries, WaterAid personell spoke about the importance of taking the movement on handwashing ahead.

Dr. Tom Palakudyil, Asia Regional Manager, WaterAid, UK recalled Gandhiji’s message that the freedom is not complete if the miseries of the poor is not removed and their basic rights remain unaddressed. Ms. Lizette Burgers, Chief, Water and Environmental Sanitation Section, UNICEF India spoke about importance of handwashing and the fact that handwashing at critical junctures, that is, before eating and after defecation, reduces the incidence of diarrheal diseases by 47%.

The World Water Day Celebrations were attended by 400 participants coming from 10 states of India. The participants included children, parents, Panchayat members, teachers and NGO representatives.

Contact: Shipra Saxena