In another initiative to reach out to the people of Afghanistan, an Indian NGO has taken up the task of improving sanitation in Kabul and setting up an English-medium school that will be affordable to low income strata.Sulabh International has started work at eight locations in Kabul. ‘‘We also plan to set up an English-medium school for those who cannot afford English education. Then we plan to start courses in typing, shorthand, beauty parlour training and driving,’’ said Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak. At the inaugural function of an International Seminar on Environmental Sanitation, Health, Hygiene and Water here today, Pathak said his outfit will also adopt a colony in Kabul later and would ensure supply of clean drinking water to it. ‘‘I can ensure the water will be as clean as mineral water. We hope the Indian Government will support us in this project, but even if it does not, Sulabh will still do it.’’ Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vivek Katju said this project would go a long way in improving the lot of the Afghans. ‘‘This only signifies our growing friendship with Afghanistan. We have also provided 105 buses.’’ At the request of the Afghan Government, Katju said India has agreed to help reconstruct a temple, gurdwara and a mosque. He also listed India’s commitment to build a highway between Zaranj and Delaram for which Prime Minister Vajpayee has pledged $70 million as assistance.
