19-06-2023: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has started a special drive to preserve cleanliness in towns and cities. Arun Kumar Mehta, the chief secretary, has given specific instructions on how to educate people on the value of cleanliness in their surroundings and the necessity of fining those who litter and threaten the environment. The Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Departments have been given instructions to collect legacy waste from villages and ensure that it is properly disposed of at designated areas in each panchayat.
Efforts have been intensified to achieve the goal of declaring all residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir free from open defecation. It has been emphasized that waste should be segregated at the panchayat level to facilitate easy disposal. The local residents have welcomed this initiative and emphasized the importance of cleanliness, noting that it is a collective responsibility.
Chief Secretary Mehta has assured that with collective efforts, cleaning the villages is not an insurmountable task. He acknowledged the progress made in making villages cleaner and expressed raised expectations for further improvement. He commended the department for its achievements and urged them to continue their efforts until all villages are declared clean and sanitary.
Various measures are being implemented to address the infrastructure needs, including the construction of segregation sheds, provision of composite/soak pits, drainage facilities, and waste disposal in villages. It is worth noting that out of the 7163 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, 6384 have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF+), which represents an 87% coverage of villages.
The aim is to transform every village into a model category village by creating the necessary infrastructure in each panchayat. Solid waste management plans have been prepared for each panchayat, and bye-laws have been established for implementation and monitoring through advisory committees. Financial models for sustainability have been identified, and district sanitation committees have been formed along with the identification of solid waste collection agencies in all districts.
This comprehensive approach to cleanliness and waste management highlights the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to creating a clean and sustainable environment for the well-being of its residents.