Lahaul-Spiti launches campaign to promote nutrition, sustainability

The Women and Child Development Department launched a 15-day campaign across Lahaul-Spiti district yesterday to raise awareness about nutrition, environmental sustainability and water conservation. The campaign, under the banner of “Poshan Pakhwada” (Nutrition Fortnight), would run until April 22 and includes a range of activities designed to engage and educate the community.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar said directives have been issued to Block Coordinators, Circle Supervisors and Child Development Project Officers to ensure the campaign’s effective implementation at the district, block, village and centre levels.

A key focus of the campaign is the “First 1,000 Days of Life,” a crucial period for child development. The initiative would also promote the use of the Poshan Tracker to monitor beneficiaries and raise awareness about the CMAM (Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition) module, which helps in managing malnutrition. Additionally, there would be a focus on healthy lifestyles to prevent childhood obesity.

District Programme Officer Sanjay Dogra said the fortnight’s activities would include “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” (Nutrition and Education), environmental and water conservation programs, self-help group meetings, sports events, vaccination camps, health check-ups for pregnant women and yoga sessions. These activities would primarily be organised at Anganwadi centres across the district.

In a complementary initiative, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment organised a cricket match at Stingri Helipad under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign). The match saw participation from the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Divisional Forest Officer and local youth. DC Rahul Kumar urged the youth to embrace healthy lifestyles and avoid substance abuse.

The Poshan Pakhwada campaign is a collaborative effort to improve public health, environmental awareness and community wellbeing in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti. Through this initiative, the district aims to strengthen the health and sustainability of its communities.