Nashik, Sep 3 (IANS): Spiritual leaders on Thursday highlighted the importance of sanitation, hygiene and clean water at an event at the Kumbh Mela here.
Speaking at the event organised by Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and WASH United, they spoke about the importance of toilet usage and said open defecation had contributed the poor health of India's children.
On the occasion, a new initiative called Swachh Kumbh Diwas was launched, in which the participants and devotees committed for a clean Kumbh Mela and a Swachh Bharat.
The event was addressed, among others, by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gurusharananandji Maharaj, Raman Reti, Mathura, Swami Avdheshanand Giriji, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara.
The GIWA, with a secretariat in India, was launched in collaboration with the UNICEF under the sponsorship of USAID and the Netherlands.