BUDGAM: Director General (DG) Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra Tuesday undertook a comprehensive visit to district Budgam 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, engaging Self Help Group members in different activities, creation of Swachhta Bank and developing of legacy waste sites into revenue generation places and community involvement in different activities.
During her visit, Anoo Malhotra meticulously inspected the sanitation facilities at Panchayat Choon, where she interacted with community members at Common Service Center (CSC), inspected Segregation Shed, Community Compost Pits, Legacy Waste sites and visited Soak Pit constructed at Government Secondary School.
She directed the concerned officers to expedite the functionality of Segregation Shed and Community Compost Pit within two weeks’ time emphasizing the importance of clean and hygienic facilities for locals.
Continuing her inspection, Anoo Malhotra visited Panchayat Arigam in Khansaheb Block of the district to interact with community members and to evaluate the functional status of the assets constructed in the panchayat. 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 Arigam, DG Rural Sanitation highlighted the significance of community participation in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. She emphasized the role of community in ensuring the success of sanitation initiatives by cooperating in collection of user charges from households in the area.
She emphasized the importance of field functionaries in spearheading Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to drive behavioral change within the community. “Massive IEC campaign is needed to aware locals about the proper use of assets created under SBM-G,” she said.
DG Rural Sanitation also asked the officers to speed up the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) process with different Hotels and Resorts and identification of land for construction of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in the district.
Anoo Malhotra told the officers to consult Project Management Unit (PMU) expert team led by Sumit Mehta for any kind of technical interventions or guidance regarding implementation of different components of SBM-G.
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 included Deputy Director Rural Sanitation Kashmir, ACP Budgam, District Panchayat Officer, Budgam and BDOs.