Stresses Asset Utilization, Geo-Tagging, and Timely Expenditure Under SBM-G
Srinagar, July 14: The Director General (DG) of Rural Sanitation J&K, Ms. Anoo Malhotra (JKAS), today chaired a review meeting with Assistant Commissioners of Panchayats (ACPs) from all 20 districts of J&K and Block Development Officers (BDOs) to assess the current status of sanitation initiatives, evaluate infrastructure assets, and strengthen progress monitoring through portals.
The meeting focused on evaluating the status of assets created under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and other related initiatives. During the meeting, the DG took a detailed inventory of ongoing activities and reviewed the functionality and sustainability of assets such as Community Sanitary Complexes, Plastic Waste Management Units, Greywater Management Systems, and DEWATS (Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems).
Ms. Malhotra reviewed progress reports presented by the respective ACPs on asset utilization, convergence models, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. In line with the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Secretary, the review emphasized the need for expediting financial expenditure to ensure the timely execution of works aimed at achieving targets for sanitation schemes in rural areas.
All districts have been directed to accelerate the utilization of funds allocated for the current financial year and prioritize activities related to Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM), Community Sanitary Complexes, and allied activities.
A key focus of the review was the mWater portal and SBM (G), where all physical assets like Community Sanitary Complexes, DEWATS, Soakage Pits, GOBARdhan, and related assets created under SBM (G) are to be geo-tagged and uploaded. The Director General stressed the importance of real-time asset mapping to maintain transparency, improve monitoring, and ensure accountability at the grassroots level.
The DG also assessed progress on the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and instructed the districts to strictly adhere to the approved targets and timelines. She provided clear directions to the ACPs to follow up on timelines to ensure consistent progress across all districts.
The DG reviewed field-level implementation of sanitation schemes, identifying successful interventions and areas that require intensified efforts. While emphasizing timely project execution and community engagement, the DG directed the ACPs to ensure timely data entry and verification to reflect ground realities accurately.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to achieving universal sanitation coverage and improving public health outcomes across rural regions, she emphasized the need for timely data updating and field verification. Ms. Anoo Malhotra urged the officers to ensure the operationalization of all infrastructure, with special attention to community engagement and cleanliness drives.
The DG reiterated that sustainable sanitation requires continuous monitoring and ownership at the grassroots level. The meeting concluded with directions to district teams for enhanced coordination, regular geo-tagging of assets, and the prioritization of villages with critical sanitation needs.
