By NewsGram Staff Writer

Nashik: Highlighting the importance of sanitation, hygiene, and clean water, the spiritual leaders called for a Swachch Kumbh at the ongoing Kumbh Mela here on Thursday.

At an event organized by Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and WASH United, they also spoke about the importance of toilet usage and said that open defecation has contributed to 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.

(With inputs from IANS)