A detailed review meeting focusing on the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) was convened today at the Collectorate Auditorium in Jamshedpur. The session was chaired by Rajesh Sharma, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of Jharkhand. Key officials, including District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, Deputy Development Commissioner Manish Kumar, and other departmental officers, were in attendance.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to assess the current status and progress of various schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). The discussions covered a range of topics, including the implementation of drinking water supply schemes in Jamshedpur and Adityapur divisions, block-wise Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage, multi-village schemes, challenges related to No Objection Certificates (NOC) for project clearance, operational drinking water testing laboratories, and the ongoing construction of plastic waste management plants.
The Secretary emphasized the necessity of completing all small and large projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission within the stipulated timelines. He underscored the importance of ensuring that tap water reaches all villages and households included in the mission.
There was a strong emphasis on the need for better operation and maintenance of water supply schemes. The Secretary directed officials to connect all approved pipe water schemes to essential community facilities such as health sub-centres, government schools, Anganwadi centres, Panchayat buildings, and community toilets.
Officials were instructed to ensure that residents do not face problems related to contaminated drinking water, especially during the rainy season. The Secretary called for the activation of Jal Sahiya for laboratory testing of drinking water and the replacement of inactive Jal Sahiya with new appointments.
The Secretary highlighted the need to address NOC-related issues from various departments swiftly. He suggested that such matters should be presented in the District Coordination Committee meetings for prompt resolution at the district level.
Proper publicity of the schemes was stressed, with the Secretary emphasizing the importance of informing the public about the contact points for addressing any issues. All Junior Engineers (JEs) were instructed to be present at block headquarters on Block Diwas to facilitate this communication.
Instructions were issued to complete the under-construction plastic waste management plants in Jamshedpur and Adityapur within the specified timeframe, aiming to enhance waste management infrastructure in the region.
During the review of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), the Secretary stressed that the success of this campaign hinges on changing public behavior. He pointed out the critical need for awareness among the general public about the adverse effects of open defecation and the proper disposal of plastic and other waste to prevent environmental damage.
The meeting saw the participation of several high-ranking officials, including the Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer, and other departmental officers. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort needed to achieve the objectives of both the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).
At the meeting's conclusion, Secretary Rajesh Sharma expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the district officials and emphasized the need for continued diligence and teamwork to meet the mission goals. District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal and Deputy Development Commissioner Manish Kumar also reiterated their commitment to the successful implementation of these critical schemes.
