SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday chaired a review meeting to finalise the implementation framework for Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of sanitation assets and Faecal Sludge & Septage Management (FSSM) under Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G).
The meeting was attended by Director General Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra, Director Finance Umar Khan, Joint Director Planning Kamal Kumar, Superintending Engineers REW Jammu/Kashmir and other officials.
The Secretary reviewed the status of sanitation infrastructure created under SBM-G and stressed the need for a structured mechanism for maintenance of assets such as community sanitary complexes, solid and liquid waste management facilities and faecal sludge treatment systems.
It was informed that over 20 lakh sanitation assets, including individual household toilets, Community Sanitary complexes, compost pits, Soak pits, segregation sheds and other sanitation facilities have been created across rural Jammu and Kashmir under SBM-G. The O&M policy aims to ensure their long-term sustainability and upkeep.
Emphasising decentralised implementation, the Secretary directed that operational powers related to sanitation management be streamlined through the Directorate, while execution of activities be ensured at the district level under Deputy Commissioners. He also called for strengthening digital monitoring systems, including development of an online SBM dashboard for asset tracking, user-charge monitoring and grievance redressal.
Highlighting financial sustainability, he noted that 10 percent of PRI Capex allocation has been earmarked for operation and maintenance of sanitation assets and stressed the need to mobilise additional resources through user charges and community participation.
The Secretary further directed that regulatory provisions relating to waste management be aligned with the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, with a clearly defined penalty and appeal mechanism. It was decided that BDOs will enforce sanitation regulations at the block level, with appeals against penalties lying before the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD).
He also stressed strengthening door-to-door waste collection systems, rationalising user charges and developing a dedicated IEC strategy for the O&M policy.
Highlighting the importance of scientific treatment of faecal sludge, the Secretary emphasised effective functioning and expansion of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs). He also called for systematic surveys and mapping of toilets and containment systems to assess desludging demand and ensure proper linkage of villages with treatment facilities.
The Secretary further directed officials to develop clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for desludging, transportation and treatment under the FSSM framework.
