Despite being declared an open defecation-free zone in 2018, Lahan still has 4,201 households without toilets, according to a municipal survey conducted six months ago. The survey found that among 20,577 households, Dalit and Musahar communities were the most affected, while some financially stable families also lacked toilet facilities.

To address the issue, the municipality launched a renewed sanitation campaign in collaboration with the Dalit Jan Kalyan Youth Club. Six modern community toilets have already been constructed and brought into operation in Musahar settlements, with plans to expand the initiative further.

Mayor Mahesh Chaudhary said the municipality is committed to making Lahan a fully hygienic and 100 percent toilet-equipped city. He appealed to residents to support the campaign aimed at eliminating open defecation completely.

To strengthen the effort, sanitation committees have been formed across all 24 wards and 81 neighborhood areas. Youth groups and local clubs are conducting awareness programs on household sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and prevention of water-borne diseases. So far, toilets have been built in 346 households under the campaign.

Rajesh Lohani, Manager of the Bikan Project expressed confidence that involving local youth through community-level committees would help improve long-term sanitation habits in the municipality.