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Meet ends with call for priority to sanitation

NEW DELHI: Calling upon Members of Parliament to take the responsibility of supporting sanitation movement in their respective constituencies, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has suggested that a part of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme should be used to prioritise sanitation services.

Speaking at the concluding session of the Third South Asian Conference on Sanitation here on Friday, Mr. Chatterjee said the Rs. 2 crore allocated to the MPs under the MPLAD Scheme for small developmental works in their respective constituencies should be used for sanitation as long as the scheme continues.

Members of Parliament represented a sizeable population and their initiatives could have a great impact on the people. They must strive for well-maintained sanitation and hygienic facilities in schools or public places in their jurisdictions, he said.

He said it should be among the primary concern of all governments to provide every citizen access to at least minimum sanitation facilities within the shortest possible time.

Describing as unfortunate the fact that we were living in a world where 40 per cent of the population continued to live without basic sanitation facilities, Mr. Chatterjee said it was a matter of great distress that an estimated 2.6 billion people, including 960 million children, had not gained access to improved sanitation facilities, without which there could not be sustainable development.

“Though the funding needed for realising the goal of sanitation is not large, the return on that investment is potentially much greater. Studies have established that every dollar spent on improving sanitation generates economic benefits to the tune of nine dollars.” It is acknowledged that at least the basic minimum sanitation facilities are necessary to enhance dignity, privacy and safety of all citizens, especially women and girls.

“Not only is good sanitation vital for healthy living, it also contributes to social development and is also a good economic investment besides helping to clean the environment. The solid and liquid waste management, associated with sanitation promotion can generate revenue and employment for millions, particularly in toilet generation, waste recycling, and biogas plants for energy use.

The Conference concluded with a call for according national priority to sanitation. The Delhi Declaration was approved by the heads of delegations from Afganistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The declaration recognised that access to sanitation and safe drinking water as a basic right, and accorded national priority to sanitation. It confirmed commitment to achieving national and the Millennium Development Goals on sanitation in a time-bound manner in all participating countries of South Asia. It also asserted that achieving total and sustainable sanitation in all rural and urban communities in the member countries is not only possible but also is a cherished goal.

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Meet ends with call for priority to sanitation

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