Jammu, Feb 23: Director General Rural Sanitation Jammu & Kashmir, Anoo Malhotra on Friday highlighted the significance of community participation in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. She emphasised the role of everyone in ensuring the success of sanitation initiatives.
Addressing a large gathering at Panchayat Ghar Kambal Danga, Malhotra stressed the creation of “Bartan Bank” at the community level to get rid of single-use plastic (SUP). She 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, the DG Rural Sanitation 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 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, emphasizing the importance of clean and hygienic facilities for pilgrims and locals alike.
Continuing her inspection, 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.
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. She visited Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) Narsoo and ensured the efficient processing of plastic waste for reuse in different forms.
Earlier, Anoo 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 behavioural 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.
Continuing her tour, Malhotra visited Bhadoria Panchayat in Block Bari Brahmana, where she commended Dinkar Sharma for his exemplary private dairy farm. She reiterated the importance of such initiatives in promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraged other farmers to emulate Sharma’s model.
