LEH: Setting a sharp tone for this year’s World Toilet Day observance, Administrative Secretary Sanjeet Rodrigues urged Ladakh’s youth to take the lead in safeguarding the region’s sanitation systems, warning that responsible toilet use and water protection are now frontline duties in an ecologically fragile Himalayan environment.
Addressing a youth-driven awareness programme in Leh on Wednesday, Rodrigues stressed that clean toilets, hygienic behaviour and secure water sources form the backbone of public health in the cold desert region. He called for stronger community participation and sustained environmental stewardship to prevent contamination of Ladakh’s limited water reserves.
The event, organised by the Municipal Committee Leh (MCL) in collaboration with the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG), featured painting and slogan-writing competitions aimed at deepening public awareness on sanitation, hygiene and scientific waste management. The programme was supported by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) and Development Alternatives, drawing students from multiple schools across the district.
Welcoming participants, MC Leh Executive Officer Stanzin Rabgais underlined the relevance of World Toilet Day in a region where safe water access and responsible waste handling are critical lifelines. LEDeG Project Manager Asma Yousuf felicitated the dignitaries and highlighted the shared responsibility of communities, institutions and young citizens in upholding sanitation standards.
Delivering the thematic address, Deskyong Namgyal of SECMOL framed sanitation as a collective obligation, urging behavioural change to anchor long-term cleanliness in Leh. He emphasised the need to protect water sources, use toilets responsibly—particularly in sub-zero conditions—and adopt daily hygiene practices.
Students showcased artwork and slogans on clean toilets, water conservation, waste segregation and civic responsibility. The jury praised the clarity and creativity of the entries. In the painting category, Samran Fatama of Immeamia School secured first place, followed by Jigmat Wangstok (DPS Leh) and Stanzin Yangdol (Siddharth School). Leh Modern School topped the slogan-writing contest, with Siddharth School and Govt. High School Housing Colony placing second and third.
MCL and LEDeG thanked partner organisations, schools and students for reinforcing the message that sanitation is a shared civic duty.
Meanwhile, World Toilet Day was formally launched in Leh district in the presence of Assistant Commissioner Development Abdul Gaffar Zargar and District Panchayat Officer Akeel Sajjad, alongside officials of the Rural Development Department.
The nationwide observance, themed “Hamara Shauchalay, Hamara Bhavishya,” will run from November 19 to December 10, 2025, focusing on repair and maintenance of Community Sanitary Complexes, aesthetic improvements to household latrines and community facilities, and widespread awareness programmes, especially in schools.
