Jammu: Director General Rural Sanitation Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Anoo Malhotra, undertook a comprehensive visit to district Samba and Udhampur to assess the functionality of Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) assets. The visit aimed to ensure the effective implementation of sanitation facilities and timely interventions for better results in door-to-door waste collection, collection of user charges and community involvement in different activities.
During her visit, Ms. Malhotra meticulously inspected the sanitation facilities at Kali Mata Mandir Block Tikri. She directed the concerned officers to expedite the construction of a Community Compost Pit and Community Soak Pit before the commencement of Sri Amarnath Ji Yatra, emphasizing the importance of clean and hygienic facilities for pilgrims and locals alike.
Continuing her inspection, Ms. Malhotra visited Panchayat Kambal Danga to evaluate the functional status of the Community Biogas plants constructed under GOBARdhan. She stressed the need for proper maintenance and utilization of these plants to maximize their benefits for the community.
Addressing a large gathering at Panchayat Ghar Kambal Danga, Ms. Malhotra highlighted the significance of community participation in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. She emphasized the role of everyone in ensuring the success of sanitation initiatives.
She stressed for the creation of “Bartan Bank” at community level to get rid of Single Use Plastic (SUP).
Ms. Malhotra visited Panchayat Chari, where she inspected the Community Soak Pit, Community Compost Pit, and Kitchen Gardens developed on Greywater. She reiterated the importance of sustainable sanitation practices and encouraged the community to actively participate in such initiatives.
Ms. Malhotra also visited Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) Narsoo and ensured the efficient processing of plastic waste for reuse in different forms.
Earlier, Ms. Malhotra, undertook a comprehensive tour of sanitation initiatives in the Upper Birpur and Bhadoria Panchayats, demonstrating her commitment to fostering cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices in rural areas.
In Upper Birpur Panchayat, she engaged with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to inspire them to become champions of cleanliness by leading door-to-door collection campaigns and managing user charges efficiently. She emphasized the importance of SHGs in spearheading Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to drive behavioral change within their communities.
Transitioning to the Lower Birpur region, she inspected the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and ensured the efficient segregation and processing of waste. She directed officials to maintain a dedicated logbook for rural waste collection and explore the feasibility of installing a GOBARdhan plant to harness electricity for the facility and neighboring households.
Continuing her tour, Ms. Malhotra visited Bhadoria Panchayat in Block Bari Brahmana, where she commended Mr. Dinkar Sharma for his exemplary private dairy farm. Mr. Sharma’s farm showcased a holistic approach to sustainability, incorporating composting facilities, solar panels, and biodigesters to manage waste effectively.
She suggested the officials accompanying her to onboard Mr. Dinkar Sharma as a Swachhata Ambassador so that he would take forward the baton of Swachhata in J&K and could inspire other people to undertake such initiatives and contribute to behavioral change communication leading to Swachh and Swasth J&K
Ms. Malhotra reiterated the importance of such initiatives in promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraged other farmers to emulate Mr. Sharma’s model.
The tour underscored the Directorate General Rural Sanitation’s commitment to promoting sanitation, sustainability, and community engagement in rural areas. Other officials who were part of this tour include Deputy Director Rural Sanitation, Ms. Sanna Khan, ACD Udhampur Dr. Ranjeet Singh, ACP Samba Narad Singh Dayal, ACP Udhampur Tanveer Ul Majid Wani, District Panchayat Officer, Udhampur Dr. Preeti Sharma, BDO Bari Brahmana Kapil Deol and BDO Udhampur Sahil Bhagotra, BDO Narsoo Shahbaaz Choudhary.
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