By NE NOW NEWS
Soreng: A series of water conservation, sanitation and environmental restoration projects have been implemented across five villages in Sikkim’s Soreng district under a programme supported by SBI Foundation and executed by AROH Foundation.
The initiatives, carried out in Karthok, Malbasey, Singling, Budang and Mangsari, were presented on the occasion of World Environment Day.
As part of the programme, 42 soak pits were constructed across the villages to improve groundwater recharge and wastewater management.
According to the organisers, the intervention is expected to benefit 168 residents.
Waste management facilities were also developed at Mangsari School and the local Pranami Mandir.
A composite pit was set up at the school, serving more than 120 students and staff members, while a similar facility at the temple is expected to benefit over 150 devotees.
At the Tharpu Primary Health Sub-Centre, a sharps disposal pit was constructed to ensure the safe disposal of used needles and other medical waste.
The facility is expected to serve a population of more than 1,600 people.
To address water scarcity during dry periods, two water storage tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres each were installed in Budang and Karthok villages.
The tanks are expected to benefit more than 58 households.
The programme also included the restoration and strengthening of irrigation canals in Mangsari and Budang.
Organisers said the improved infrastructure would support over 128 farming households by providing more reliable access to irrigation water.
In addition, check dams were constructed along the boundaries of Malbasey, Budang and Mangsari to improve water retention and reduce soil erosion.
More than 1,100 households are expected to benefit from the structures.
As part of a Jan Van Plantation Drive, 400 saplings were planted across Mangsari, Singling and Karthok to support environmental restoration and help reduce soil erosion.
According to the implementing agencies, the projects were carried out with community participation and aimed at strengthening water security, sanitation infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the region.