Dharamshala: On 10 July 2024, the Department of Health arranged an online WASH awareness programme for all Central and South Zone WASH committee members. Kelsang Choedon, the department’s zone staff, led the online session. Tenzin Thakpo from Reimagining Doeguling emphasises the significance of water, the necessity of preserving water supplies, and multiple ways of conserving it (including rainwater collection). The advantages and drawbacks of borewells were also discussed in this session, and the significance of recharge pits was highlighted. Dr Tsering Sonam of TPHC Mainpat gave awareness on WASH from a health perspective, emphasising the value of clean water, links between contaminated water and water-borne illnesses, and its effects on general health. Tibetan settlements in south and central India will begin a cleanliness drive of water storage and tanks, followed by water quality testing under the WASH program funded by PRM.

-Report filed by the Department of Health-