289 पटक हेरिएको 
Lahan: A different kind of vibrancy can be seen these days in Ward No. 7 of Lahan Municipality in Siraha district. Bricks are piled up in some courtyards, foundations are being dug behind houses in others, while masons are busy constructing septic tanks elsewhere.
This ward of Lahan is currently immersed in the campaign of “One House, One Toilet.”
Toilets had been built here in the past as well. However, many of the toilets constructed during previous campaigns remained limited to the plinth level (foundation). Since only the base structures were completed, the toilets were never brought into use and eventually collapsed. As a result, some households returned once again to the practice of open defecation.
But now, the situation has changed.
A study conducted under the WICAN Project, implemented by WaterAid Nepal and Dalit Janakalyan Youth Club, revealed that around 4,200 households in Lahan were without toilets. The findings served as a wake-up call for both the municipality and the community. Since then, a sanitation movement promoting dignity and cleanliness in every household has gained momentum across Lahan.
Partnership Driving Change in Lahan
The ward office has also played a supportive role in encouraging citizens’ enthusiasm. Once local residents started constructing toilets on their own initiative, the ward office began supporting them by providing toilet rings.
According to sanitation campaign Youth Champion Karina Bik Sadaya, this small yet meaningful support from the ward has significantly motivated local residents.
“Toilet construction work is progressing rapidly. The remaining households will also complete construction within a week,” said Youth Champion Karina.
According to her, people were already aware of the importance of toilets in the past, but there was hesitation in implementation. Since the sanitation campaign began, however, a new sense of urgency and commitment has emerged among residents. Within the next week, every household in the ward is expected to have a toilet.
To bring the campaign to the grassroots level and transform people’s mindset, the Dalit Janajagaran Youth Club has been playing an instrumental role. Through various awareness programs conducted by the club, local residents have become more aware of the health risks of open defecation and the dignity associated with having a toilet at home.
For people who once stood looking helplessly at collapsed toilet structures, the sight of residents now digging septic tanks is a clear sign that Lahan is truly moving toward transformation.
