SRINAGAR: As part of the fifth phase of the ambitious “Back to Village” programme which concluded here yesterday on a high note, the Jal Jeevan Mission, J&K conducted 4464 activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The activities included awareness camps, inauguration of water supply schemes, inspection of works, training of handling and distribution of field testing kits (FTKs), holding of Gram Sabhas, debates, painting competitions, installation of signages, collection and testing of water samples and other related activities.
Among the activities conducted, 1129 special Gram Sabhas were held, 971 women were trained in handling the field testing kits, 576 training sessions were held for handling FTKs, 530 works were inspected by the Visiting Officers, water testing with FTKs was done at 497 villages, FTKs were distributed in 221 villages besides installation of 146 signages, holding of 108 water awareness camps, 87 school rallies and 29 painting competitions.
Similarly, as per district-wise data, 504 activities were held in Jammu district, 496 in Kulgam district, 407 in Rajouri district followed by Reasi with 406 activities, Kishtwar with 398 activities, Pulwama with 316 activities and other districts.
Worthwhile to mention here that Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a flagship programme of national importance which aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to 18.67 lakh rural households in the UT of J&K, at an estimated cost of Rs. 14000 crore. This will not only involve the creation of a sustainable water infrastructure but will build the capacities of local communities and involve them in the management of water supply assets on a long-term and sustainable basis.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, while appreciating the initiatives being made by the field Engineering teams and the District Jal Jeevan Missions, impressed upon the stakeholders to further intensify the efforts to complete the mission targets in time with accountability, transparency and involvement of local communities.
Kabra visited the Sool Panchayat as prabhari officer, where he interacted with the public regarding various schemes of the UT and Central Government with a main focus on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Mission Director, Jal Shakti, Dr. G N Itoo has thanked all Deputy Commissioners for their active support in making the campaign a huge success. He has also expressed gratitude to the visiting officers, PRIs and local communities, line departments, field staff and other agencies for their cooperation in the campaign.
