Along with the rest of the country, the Water and Sanitation Support Organization (WSSO) under PHED Kiphire Division observed World Toilet Day in Kiphire Town and Pungro village.

Held under the aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), a Swachhata Run was organised to mark the day, which was held with the theme ‘Making the invisible visible’.

In Kiphire Town, the Swacchata Run was flagged off at the local ground during which Er Delimla, JEE, PHED Kiphire gave a short address.

She said World Toilet Day is observed to encourage people to contribute towards sanitation for a healthier and more hygienic lifestyle.

People know less about the effects of open defecation where many waterborne diseases affect the population because of improper maintenance of toilets and open defecation, Er Delimla stated.

Asserting that maintaining proper toilets is the first step towards sanitation, she informed this year’s Swachhata Run is organised to convey the message to people to practice the system of a twin-pit toilet in every household because it prevents ground water pollution, decreases the spread of diseases, produces useful biomass, boosts soil fertility, improves soil structure and is easy to use.

The top three winners of the Swachhata Run were awarded certificates along with cash prizes.

The event was chaired by Tsarila L Sangtam, IEC Consultant, WSSO PHED Kiphire.

The pledge taking was initiated by Longtili C Sangtam, chairman of Akedha Amülong, Kiphire.

The District Coordinator, Limatemsu, thanked the participants for their positive response and for making the programme a grand success.

In Pungro block of Kiphire district, World Toilet Day was observed at Pungro village.

Pungro Town.

Lenrühtsü Kussen, Pungro Village Students Union President, in his short speech, urged the participants to be the brand ambassador in spreading the message of retrofitting toilets to a twin-pit system in order to contribute towards sanitation for sustainable management.

Swachhata Run in Pungro Town.

During the Swachhata Run, a pledge was undertaken by the participants. The Swachhata Run was flagged off by Azikha Augustine, Secretary Village Development Board and former footballer.

The village head (GB), Rusumeu, gave away the certificates along with cash prizes to the winners of the Swachhata Run.