2024-10-08

Freshwater ecosystems, heavily polluted by sewage and septage from nearby areas, have become a major environmental concern. A bio-toilet complex is being constructed by TIES as part of the broader initiative, Protection of Freshwater Ecosystems for the Conservation of Threatened Species in Munnar, Western Ghats, India, which is supported by the IUCN’s Save Our Species program. The project aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Its primary aim is to reduce fecal pollution in freshwater ecosystems, thereby protecting both biodiversity and human health. By ensuring clean and sustainable water sources, the initiative also supports broader ecosystem conservation efforts in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The stone-laying ceremony for the Model Bio-toilet Complex at the KDHP Tea Factory premises in Madupetty, Munnar, was held and was laid by Mr. Mohan Varghese, Vice President of Tea Manufacture at Kanan Devan Hills Plantation Company Private Limited (KDHP). The event was attended by Mr. Raju Warrier, Head of the Engineering Division at KDHP; Mr. Joseph Alex, Manager of the Madupetty Tea Factory; Dr. Punnen Kurian, Secretary of TIES; Mr. Nihal Hussain, Team Leader of the IUCN project; and Mr. Sunil K. Divakaran, Contractor.

This initiative not only addresses local health and sanitation issues but also contributes to the conservation of endemic and threatened species by improving the quality of their habitats. It highlights the important link between human well-being and ecosystem health, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to maintain the integrity of natural water systems for future generations.