HARIDWAR: HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Co-Founder of The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Founder Ganga Action Parivar and President of Parmarth Niketan, graced and blessed the official inauguration ceremony of two new eco-friendly, public bio-digester toilet clusters just completed at Pantdweep Parking, Haridwar. He was welcomed by Shri Anil Kapoorji, Director (HR), BHEL, Shri Deependra Kumar Chaudhary, District Magistrate of Haridwar, Shri Sanjay Gulati, GM(I), BHEL Haridwar, Shri Nirankar Saxenaji, Dy Secretary General, FICCI and many others.
This public toilet complex is one of 25 complexes that are to be inaugurated under a beautiful partnership programme between BHEL, FICCI, GIWA and GAP. Through CSR sponsorship BHEL will providing funds for the construction and the first two years of O&M of 25 public locations along the Char Dham route and within the state of Uttarakhand, in promotion of the Swachh Bharat Mission, India and the National Mission for Clean Ganga. FICCI is facilitating the implementation and carrying the vision of the project forward on the ground. GIWA and GAP helped facilitate the process through obtaining NOC’s for many of the locations and continues to raise much needed awareness through advocacy and training to inspire and catalyze behaviour change, hence better utilization of the infrastructure.
Bio-Toilet Inauguration at Pantdeep Parking, Haridwar sponsored by @BHEL_India, in partnership with @ficci_india & @wash_alliance – Clarion Call for CSRs to come forward for a Clean, Green & Serene Kumbh! Check out the story: https://t.co/RcNVul1Qm4 #Haridwar #Kumbh2021 #toilets pic.twitter.com/lHaPxgSIOJ
— Parmarth Niketan (@ParmarthNiketan) November 2, 2019
Pujya Swamiji shared in His inspiring address, “Today on the occasion of Chaat Puja when women across much of Northern India are performing puja and archana in their sacred rivers and water bodies lets pledge and act to protect the very natural resources which are the very focal point of these sacred traditions. Let us work to ensure that same women who has provided us with light and hope, who brings us on this planet, lets offer her the gift of diginity, health and sanitation.”
He further added, “I hope that following BHEL’s noble and vital CSR example many other companies will come forward, especially those based in Haridwar, to work together and beautify their city. They should become the hosts to the upcoming Kumbh Mela playing their critical part in a Clean, Green and Eco-Friendly Kumbh Mela. Let the Kumbh Mela in 2021 be a Prerna Parv (A Season of Inspiration and Innovation.”
Said the Hon’ble DM Haridwar, “It is the duty and responsibility of each organisation to contribute back to the society, especially in the betterment and progress of the area where they are working. BHEL has always led the way. As a common man, I hope that BHEL’s CSR contributions will continue to expand and serve the needs of Haridwar.”
Shri Anil Kapoorji, Director (HR), BHEL emphasized BHEL’s commitment to the Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange Mission. He also shared that 22 of the 25 toilet structures had been completed while another 3 were remaining. He shared that with renewed zeal and Pujya Swamiji’s divine vision and blessing they would be completed soon, especially the other two locations in Rishikesh.
Senior Director FICCI Shri Nirankar Saxenaji was recognized for his instrumental role in driving these projects to completion, and was appreciated for his great dedication and commitment to this cause.
The bio-digester technology has been developed by DRDO, using harmless anaerobic bacteria process which naturally dissolves all waste. The only outputs are clear, odorless, virtually pathogen free water which can be used for irrigation. Clean biogas is also produced, which can then be harnessed to provide power for households, entire villages and even automobiles!