Pulwama, Sep 09: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom on Saturday said Pani Samiti has brought a fundamental shift in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). He expressed pleasure that the district has one of the highest household connections in the UT and the third highest in functional household connections.
District Administration Pulwama on Saturday organised the District Level Pani Samiti Convention in the auditorium hall of Government Degree College for Boys Pulwama, which was presided over by Dr Basharat.
At the onset of the event, two vans were flagged off by the DDC for dissemination of information and sensitisation of the masses about proper care of water assets and conservation efforts that are required from all stakeholders. The Pani Samiti Convention however is not only about figures but a step towards transparency, the DDC said.
In accordance with the Bhrashtachar Mukt Week that is going across the UT and in district Pulwama, the DDC sought feedback from Pani Samiti members as well as participants and asserted that flagging of issues is an important issue as public feedback is a must in the improvement of services. He mentioned the achievements of JJM wherein 100% of work has been tendered and allotted.
During the course of the event, a water testing demonstration was performed by the members of the Implementing Support Agency (ISA) team with Field Test Kits (FTKs). ISA Expert JJM, informed the participants about the mandate of Paani Samitis who have a key role in the implementation of JJM besides ensuring management and upkeep of the assets at the grassroots level.
Emphasis was laid on adopting greywater management and rainwater harvesting mechanisms so as to ensure judicious and optimum use of water resources besides facilitating replenishment of the water table.
JJM is also involved in imparting training to the members of Paani Samitis to play a guardian role in maintaining JJM assets and their upkeep and is conducting well-organised IEC activities across the district to aware and equip communities in handling water management.
Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineers of District Pulwama also spoke on the occasion laying emphasis on the role of Pani Samiti in the effective management of water. The convention was attended by a huge gathering of Pani Samiti members, PRI members, ASHAs, AWWs, students, concerned officials of the department and other public.