Leh, Oct 14, 2023: The Urban and Local Bodies Department, UT Ladakh organised a workshop to discuss the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme of the Government of India at the DC conference hall today. The event was graced by the presence of the First Lady of UT Ladakh, Neelam Mishra, who served as the chief guest.

NAMASTE Scheme is a joint initiative of Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, GOI to ensure the safety of sanitation workers.

During her speech, Neelam Mishra commended Prime Minister Modi’s gesture of washing the feet of sanitation workers during Kumbh mela and hailed it as a remarkable act of honor. She stressed the vital role sanitation workers play in society and emphasized the importance of public awareness and a robust drainage system. She expressed her optimism that the NAMASTE Scheme would prove beneficial for Ladakh in the future, underscoring the relationship between cleanliness (Swacch Ladakh) and public health (Swasth Ladakh).

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Furthermore, she conveyed her hope that Ladakh would make significant progress by October 2, 2024, and set an example for the rest of the nation. She urged for public support and a change in behavior, and highlighted the importance of garbage segregation and awareness programs.

The workshop also featured a presentation by Project Executive of KAM Foundation, Pranav Tompe, on the prevention of hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. He discussed topics such as manual scavenging, legal provisions for the welfare of manual scavengers, penalties under the MS Act 2013, protective gear, safety devices, and machinery for safe sewer and septic tank cleaning, among other relevant matters.

President, Municipal Committee, Leh, Dr. Ishey Namgail welcomed the guests and participants and noted the significant improvements in the cleaning system, which has become more mechanized. He added that the Municipal Committee had procured modern equipment to facilitate sanitation workers in their tasks and highlighted initiatives like regular health checkups, anti-rabies vaccines, insurance benefits, and safety gear for healthcare workers.

In conclusion to the event, Neelam Mishra honored and felicitated the sanitation workers for their invaluable contribution to the community.

Officials including, Director, ULB Department, Zahida Bano; Executive Officer, Municipal Committee, Leh, Stanzin Rabgais; Executive Engineer, Igoo Phey Irrigation Division, Leh,  Tsering Angchuk, Representative from Blue Water and staff of Municipal Committee and ULB were present during the workshop .