A 3-Day virtual 7th edition of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Conclave 2020 kicked off in Hyderabad from December 2-4, 2020. It was organized by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR) in collaboration with 3 state governments – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka. Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Biswabhusan Harichandan participated as the Chief Guest of the Conclave.
Theme – “Hygiene Matters”
Target – The Year 2024 is set as target for providing access, and use of safe and adequate drinking water to all households.
Objective:
To Facilitate knowledge exchange and action on WASH-related Issues in the context of COVID-19 Pandemic.
People present:
Nicolas Osbert, Chief of WASH, UNICEF India, Alka Upadhyaya, Director General of NIRDPR, Meital Rusdia, Chief of UNICEF, Hyderabad field office were present during the virtual event.
Key Points:
i.He highlighted several state-level initiatives such as ‘Manam Mana Parisubrtha’ in Andhra Pradesh, ‘Swacchotsava Nityotsava’ in Karnataka & ‘Palle Pragathi’ to become 100% WASH Compliant and a healthy society.
ii.India is making significant progress in achieving Open Defecation-free status & Piped water supply Piped Water Supply (PWS).
iii.It is also making significant progress to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation”.
iv.The participants of Conclave shared the best practices in WASH, and opportunities for strengthening strategies for WASH Programs across 3 states.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) & Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM):
The Governor also highlighted that supply of adequate & Quality water supply and better sanitation facilities is the main motive behind Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) & Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Programmes.
Recent Related News:
i.August 14, 2020 As per the latest report, ‘Progress on drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in school’s Special focus on COVID-19’ released by WHO and UNICEF around 818 million children across the world lacked basic hand-washing facilities in their schools making them prone to COVID-19.
About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):
Executive Director – Henrietta H. Fore
Headquarters – New York, United States of America
UNICEF Representative to India – Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque
About National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR):
NIDR&PR works under the Union Ministry of Rural Development
Director General – Smt. Alka Upadhyaya
Headquarter – Hyderabad, Telangana
