Minister Javid Dar flags off Swachhata rally; calls for 24×7 commitment to cleanliness and sustainable sanitation
BARAMULLA, OCTOBER 2: As part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of RD & PR, J&K organised a Reform Utsav on Swachhata in Tangmarg, Baramulla today, bringing together public representatives, officers, students, Swachhagrahis and community members to deliberate on sustainable sanitation and solid waste management.
The programme commenced with the National Song, followed by the National Anthem.
As part of the awareness activities, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, flagged off a rally of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) carrying Swachhata Hi Seva flags, spreading the message of cleanliness and responsible waste management among the public.
A quiz on the SWM Rules, 2026 was also organised for students from participating schools, with High School Ferozpora emerging as the winner.
Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Dar said the Reform Utsav provides an opportunity to take sanitation reforms from campaigns to sustained action on the ground.
He emphasised that cleanliness requires a 24×7 commitment and said sanitation is directly linked with the wellbeing of society.
Highlighting J&K’s natural beauty and its importance as a tourist destination, the Minister called upon people to become ambassadors of Swachhata and work collectively to preserve the environment.
The Minister stressed the need to strengthen civic sense and said sanitation is a shared responsibility of individuals, communities and institutions.
Highlighting the provision of 10 per cent PRI funds for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of sanitation assets, he termed it an important step towards ensuring sustained waste collection and disposal in rural areas.
Dar also called for greater awareness on Swachhata in educational institutions and urged religious preachers and community leaders to highlight the importance of cleanliness and responsible waste management.
MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, emphasised the need for stronger civic responsibility towards cleanliness and responsible waste management.
Referring to examples from European countries, he said communities must actively support government efforts and develop the habit of keeping their surroundings clean, beginning with their homes.
Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra, IAS, stressed the need to sustain the momentum generated through Swachhata campaigns and ensure that sanitation activities continue beyond campaign periods.
She appreciated the contribution of sanitation workers and emphasised that communities and field functionaries must respond promptly whenever sanitation assets become dysfunctional.
She highlighted the role of the 10 per cent PRI funds earmarked for O&M, noting that proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of sanitation infrastructure.
On Reform Utsav, the DG called upon villages to identify their local sanitation challenges, prepare village-specific plans and take collective action to resolve them.
The programme also featured the felicitation of Swachhagrahis for their dedicated services towards sanitation and community mobilisation.
As part of Reform Utsav, a Gram Sabha was also held, during which citizens took a Swachhata pledge and presented village-specific plans and proposed works to address local sanitation and cleanliness issues.
Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) Baramulla, Chaudhary Mudasir Hussain in his welcome address highlighted the works done under SBM (G) and gave detailed status of ongoing works.
BDO Singhpora delivered a detailed presentation on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, focusing on the identification and responsibilities of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) and the importance of four-stream segregation at source.
The programme reinforced the message of “Swachhata Hi Seva”, turning sanitation reforms into sustained community action, with citizens, Panchayats and institutions working together to keep villages clean, healthy and sustainable.
