Thiruvanthapuram, July 14, 2012: Quality water and sanitation are the two major challenges faced by the State, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here on Friday. He was speaking after releaseing a ‘Handbook on water and sanitation’ for lower primary and upper primary school children.

Separate handbooks have been prepared for LP and UP students to give them awareness on water quality and sanitation. Prepared by the Centre for Water Resources Development  and Management (CWRDM), Kozhikode, with the support of UNICEF, the book contains activities to be carried out for improving the water quality and sanitation practices at domestic and community level.

The Chief Minister said achievements in the health sector could be sustained only if there was quality water and better sanitation. He lauded the CWRDM programme saying that it was important to impart sanitation education to younger children.

The Chief Minister released the handbook by handing over a copy to K K Ramachandran, member secretary, KSCSTE. Water Resources Minister P J Joseph delivered the presidential address. UNICEF chief for Tamil Nadu and Kerala Dr Satish Kumar delivered the keynote address.

The handbook was prepared by a working group comprising scientists, experts working in water and sanitation sector, education experts, school teachers and representatives from NGOs etc.

UNICEF will be supporting the printing of the books and will be distributed them to select schools throughout the state. The soft copies will be available on demand. Also, the CWRDM is planning to upload the contents of the books through its website. (Source: Newindianexpress.com)