Toilets’ walls in Vantangiya village display messages of ‘Clean and beautiful toilets’ and SDGs

Lucknow/Gonda : In a groundbreaking effort to empower the Vantangiya community residing in the forests of Gonda district, a new initiative has been launched focusing on social and economic development through the principles of cleanliness and sustainable development. This campaign aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and reflects the core vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The district administration has embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the Vantangiya village, which has long been isolated. As part of this initiative, all individual toilets in the village have been upgraded to clean facilities. To further promote the message of sustainable development, the walls of these newly renovated toilets have been adorned with painted reminders of key SDGs, including cleanliness, health, education, gender equality, and environmental protection.

District Magistrate Neha Sharma has emphasized the significance of raising awareness about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among villagers before implementing benefits. Sharma stated, “Cleanliness is a crucial element that paves the way for health and prosperity.” She highlighted that cleanliness has been prioritized in this initiative to effectively communicate its importance to the community.

The district administration’s campaign, featuring SDGs painted on toilet walls, aims to educate the Vantangiya community on the significance of cleanliness, health, education, gender equality, and environmental protection. This approach is designed to increase awareness and integrate sustainable practices into daily life, fostering a connection between the community and broader development goals.

The initiative, under the banner “Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya, Bane Hamare Pratishthaalaya,” (clean and beautiful toilets, make our establishments”) seeks to instill a sense of responsibility towards cleanliness and sustainable development within the forest-dwelling Vantangiya community. By enhancing awareness and promoting the values of the SDGs, this campaign represents a crucial step towards integrating the community into the mainstream of development.

Sharma said this unique initiative will not only improve living conditions, but also inspire other marginalized communities, showcasing a model of progress and sustainability that could drive positive change across different sections of society.

For years, the Vantangiya community residing in the forests of Gonda district has been isolated from mainstream development, relying on the forests for their livelihood and lacking basic amenities. Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath and the efforts of DM Neha Sharma, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in connecting this community with the broader development narrative.

For the first time, electricity has been introduced to Ramgarh Vantangiya village, marking a pivotal development for the area. Additionally, new roads have been constructed, facilitating easier movement for the villagers.

In November 2023, the “Vantangiya Mahotsav” was organized in Ramgarh Vantangiya village to coincide with Diwali. This festival was designed to bring together various government schemes and inform the community about their benefits. By showcasing these schemes in one place, the festival aimed to motivate villagers to take advantage of the available opportunities.