Srinagar, May 22: The Director General, Rural Sanitation J&K, Ms. Anoo Malhotra, (JKAS) today chaired a comprehensive district-wise review meeting with Superintending Engineers (REW) Jammu/Kashmir Divison, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats (ACPs), Executive Engineers and other senior officials from all districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting focused on assessing the Annual Action Plan of District Sanitation Plan Assets and the performance of the Real-Time Asset Monitoring Dashboard under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
During the session, Ms. Malhotra emphasized the importance of accurate data reporting, timely implementation of planned activities, and efficient asset management across districts. She reviewed progress indicators, challenges faced at the ground level, and the role of the dashboard in ensuring transparency and accountability in rural sanitation initiatives. The meeting was attended by Deputy Director Rural Sanitation Kashmir, Mantasha Binti Rashid and Deputy Director Rural Sanitation Jammu, Zaheer Abbas Bhat.
The meeting focused on the review and planning of key components under the SBM-G for the financial year 2025–26 like Real-time Assets Monitoring Dashboard – showcasing digital tools used for effective monitoring of sanitation infrastructure and service delivery across rural areas of the UT. Verification Reports and AIP 2025–26 Status & Action Plan for Jammu and Kashmir, evaluating current status and identifying priority actions for scale- up; Strategic Framework for AIP 2025–26 Implémentation – a roadmap to ensure timely, impactful, and inclusive sanitation interventions. The Director General urged all district officials to align their field activities with the UT-level sanitation goals and to ensure that infrastructure creation is matched by quality service delivery. She directed the officers to inform people about the management of Greywater, Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs), Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM, which form the bedrock of rural sanitation. She also called for regular updates to the dashboard so that progress can be monitored seamlessly and corrective actions taken promptly. The meeting concluded with a directive to all districts to submit updated progress reports and highlight innovative practices that can be replicated across the Union Territory. She also directed the District officers and field officials to chalk out a strategy to organise massive action oriented IEC campaigns at block and district level.
The review emphasized the use of technology, transparency, and community participation to achieve sustainable sanitation outcomes in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sanitation infrastructure, promoting behavioral change, and ensuring holistic development in rural areas. The meeting marks a significant step towards achieving the SBM-G goals in line with the Government of India’s vision of a Swachh and Swasth Bharat. The Director General further directed the districts to start preparations for the upcoming World Environment Day on June 5 keeping in view the current years theme - Ending Plastic Waste.
She directed the BDOs to chalk out the strategy and identify the local organizations, schools, volunteers, community members to make the campaign effective.
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