FIRST TIME INTRODUCTION OF BAMBOO TOILET IN MANIPUR AND 5 DAYS TRAINING KICKS OFF AT MANTRIPUKHRI FOREST COMPLEX, IMPHAL

Imphal, May 13,2016: A five days training programme on construction of Bamboo toilet for private and community had started on May 13^th at FDA Hall, Mantripukhri Forest Complex which is jointly organized by Manipur State Bamboo Mission under National Bamboo Mission (SBM, NBM), Forest Department, Government of Manipur; South Asia bamboo Foundation (SABF), Dynamic Manipur in coordination with Inter Agency Group – Manipur (IAG-Manipur) supported by BMPTC, Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India. This training program is toward the first time introduction of bamboo toilet and in Manipur and capacity building by providing technical know-how to the participants from several NGO’s.

While addressing the theme behind the training program, Kamesh Salam, who is also founder of World Bamboo Day, said that Bamboo is very luxury in Manipur State. Bamboo verities of Manipur can be used in different ways of constructing house, toilet, wall facing, traditional culture items, handicraft items etc. Bamboo can be used for constructing low cost bamboo toilet. He also stresses that by imparting bamboo technology in bamboo constructions will help in the in promoting earthquake resistant housing to the affected communities. The practical session of the day includes chemical treatment of bamboo which otherwise would take up to 15 months of natural treatment process.

Chief Guest, Mr. P. N Prasad, IFS, PCCF Manipur while inaugurating the workshop appreciated the theme of the workshop which is bamboo toilet construction with bamboo that is a requirement of the Flagship program of India called “Swatch Bharat” – Clean India program lunch by the Government of India. He also lauded the work done by SABF on this front and the technology being introduced by SABF and BMPTC will surely help the state in the bamboo housing and construction which is low cost and eco friendly in nature.  Further he mentioned that the state of Manipur is a rich bamboo growing state and taking up value added project on bamboo will add value to bamboo. He assured full support to this training program where the state Bamboo Mission under forest department will support and ensure success. He also added that bamboo plantation with scientific method will help to promote bamboo in the state and his department is committed to the expansion of bamboo plantation in the state. He is fully aware of bamboo development that is taking place in the world and he would like Manipur to be one of bamboo state in India.

Brajamani Sharma, IFS during the foundation also pointed out that 18^th September of every year is observed as World Bamboo Day and by knowing the value of bamboo we will be able to construct bamboo toilets. During the training programme participants will be 75% physically involved on bamboo toilet construction and 25% with the theoretical knowledge.

The 5-days long program will have both theoretical and practical session on understanding bamboo as building material of houses, toilets and wall fencing. The program series are as follows – Inaugural and presentations from technical experts, site selection, Hand on practical for bamboo selection, treatment of bamboo, foundation work, processing of bamboo, walling work, doors/septic tank, piping and plumbing, fitting of toilets. Two bamboo toilet types of personal and community usage are expected to be installed at earthquake affected villages/sites on the last day of the training program. Hence, during the training two types of Toilet modules will be constructed using local bamboo. The models are single toilet for household usages and twin model for community usages like schools and other public places. By imparting bamboo technology in bamboo constructions will also help in the in promoting earthquake resistant housing to the affected communities. After the training it is planned to construct 150 bamboo Toilets to be provided to the quake affected victims with support from various donor agencies.

Altogether 19 participants from IAG-Manipurmember organization namely DSSS, Dynamic Manipur, CASA, RNBA, Social Warriors Manipur, WSDC, IRMA and SESU are taking part in this 5 days training programme.

PN Prasad, IFS Principle Chief Conservator of Forest & HOFF Govt. of Manipur was the Chief Guest and H Brajamani Sharma, IFS Chief Conservator of Forest & SBM, NBM, Govt. of Manipur was the president during the inaugural function while Kamesh Salam, Executive Director, SABF were the guest of honour. Vote of thanks was given by Nongmaithem Somorendro Singh, Asst. Director, SBM, NBM. The program was facilitated by Mr. Saikhom Kennedy, Sphere India, New Delhi.

Five days training program at FDA Hall, Mantripukhri Forest Complex

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