Sulabh founder gets India's highest environmental award

NEW DELHI: Well-known social worker Bindeshwar Pathak, who developed the low cost toilet technology called Sulabh, was on Tuesday conferred the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for his positive contribution in the field of environment.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the award to Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Pathak was selected for the prestigious award, which includes Rs.500,000, a citation and a memento, under the individual category for the year 2003.

A Padma Bhushan recipient, Pathak designed the low cost toilet technology over three decades ago. The concept is fast becoming a benchmark for sanitation in many countries.

The award is given to pioneers whose ideas and projects help reduce pollution and promote a clean environment in the country.

Pathak is also a recipient of the Dubai International Award for Best Practices, besides a number of honours at the national and international levels.