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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 02 December 2023

• Assesses disposal of applications pertaining to IHHL construction for ODF sustainability’

JAMMU:   Director Rural Sanitation, J&K  Charandeep Singh interacted virtually with PRIs and beneficiaries in a special Gram Sabha held in all the 4291 Panchayats across UT of J&K on Saturday. The sabah focused on Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and to address the need assessment, and necessary disposal of applications pertaining to IHHL construction, if any under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin.

A first of its kind initiative was attended by hundreds of PRIs, BDC members, citizens and IHHL beneficiaries’, who gathered at different places in their respective districts to attend this special Gram Sabha. The Director issued necessary directions to officers to redress the genuine demand of people on priority. “It is imperative to assess the gaps wherever existing to achieve IHHL saturation in all villages of J&K,” the Director said.

In the virtual session, the Director engaged with community leaders including Sarpanches, Panches, BDCs and residents of Udhampur, Samba, Doda, Rajouri, Budgam, Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Baramulla and Kupwara. The Sarpanches, Panches and BDC members were all- praise for the effective implementation of SBM-G on ground. “The sanitation has improved drastically in our villages,” One of the Sarpanches from Kakapora area of Pulwama said.

Same views were expressed by the female PRI members from Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Samba, and Doda. “Our mothers, daughters and sisters don’t have to feel embarrassed now, as we have been benefited by the IHHLs under SBM-G,” they said, adding, these IHHLs have brought dignity in their lives.  During the virtual tour it came to fore that in some special cases some migrant families and recently separated families have applied for new IHHL indicating that there is still a need for the construction of IHHLs in certain areas.

After listening to the community members, the Director stressed that no family whether migrant and new family is left behind and asked the ACPs, DPOs and BDOs to verify the authenticity of these applicants by next week. While listening to several PRIs and beneficiaries, the Director said that the session served as a platform for community members to voice their concerns, share insights, and actively participate in the decision-making process related to rural sanitation.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by some migrants and new families, the Director emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in achieving the targets set under the SBM-G. The virtual Gram Sabha facilitated an exchange of ideas and best practices, inspiring local leaders to spearhead IHHL initiative within their respective regions. As the Director continues to champion the cause of rural sanitation, the focus on IHHLs is expected to drive positive change in sanitation infrastructure and practices across rural Jammu and Kashmir.