The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) India, in association with UNICEF India, held a two-day summit in ladakh. The Summit discussed the inter-linkage of multiple issues of inequity, lack of access and other related issues in the region, with special focus on minority populations. Members of the religious fraternity from Haridwar and Rishikesh joined the inter-faith meet taking pledge for clean surroundings. The “Sarva Dharma Swachhta Evam Sadbhavna Sankalp” on the first day of the ladakh summit brought together diverse faith leaders, corporate, union ministers and the local stakeholders at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies at leh.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetanand of Udasin Bada Akhada and Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh initiated a dialogue on critical issues of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Health). The Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan and the union minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Summit by lighting the lamp.

Speaking at the summit, the convener of the programme, Chidanand Saraswati said, “Inter-faith leaders have come together on this sacred land of ladakh as a testament to so much that connects and binds us. Today, we join together to serve as one, ensuring clean water, sanitation and hygiene for all.”

Addressing the gathering the union minister Harsh Vardhan said, “Science and technology has also supported Swachh Bharat Mission all along the way by innovation and research, like waste management, toilet technology, means of water purification and plastic re-use. Through this mission and use of science and technology, we have shown that waste can be turned into wealth.”

Notably leh has only 2400 houses and it will be the 18th district to be declared Open Defecation Free.

Manish Wasuja, WASH Expert from UNICEF India spoke about sanitation challenges and the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

“The Swachh Bharat Mission has made significant progress with community participation. There are 564 million people defecating in the open. GIWA is an important platform to communicate the messages on toilet use as there are 98% people in India that follow any faith”, said Wasuja.

Buddhist spiritual leader and President of the Asoka Mission lama lobzang said, “ladakh is a unique land. Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat takes on a whole new meaning here. Open defecation and the lack of toilets is not a major issue here. However, water scarcity is a pressing issue.”