PIONEER EDGER NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
A national seminar on ‘The Right to Water and Sanitation: Engaging Youth for Sujlam and Sustainable Water Governance in the Himalayan Region’ was organised at Swami Ram Himalyan University ( SRHU) on Friday. The seminar was organised under aegis of the Water and Sanitation department of SRHU and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi.
In his address, the director general ( Academic) of SRHU, Dr V Chauhan emphasised on access to safe drinking water as a fundamental right linked to Sustainable Development Goal VI.
In his keynote address, the vice chancellor, SRHU, Rajendra Dobhal highlighted important initiatives related to water security and water quality, including river bank filtration and water quality testing. He also spoke about geogenic contamination and emerging challenges to safe drinking water in the Himalayan region.
The member, Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, H C Semwal said that water and sanitation must be addressed together and that toilet construction alone cannot ensure sanitation without proper waste management. He also highlighted the impact of sanitation on women’s health, dignity and privacy.
The chairperson of Uttarakhand State Women Commission, Kusum Kandwal emphasised the interlinkages between human rights, social justice and environmental conservation, particularly for marginalised communities.
Joining the programme online, director general ( Investigation), NRHC Anumpama Nilekar sald that water is the foundation of human rights and sanitation is equally essential for a dignified life. Referring to India’s ancient traditions and the relationship between humans and nature, she stressed the need for conservation of natural resources.
