Poonch : Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma chaired a meeting of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) here Thursday to review the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G).
The meeting, held in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, was attended by Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Assistant Commissioner Development, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti, all Assistant Executive Engineers of the Jal Shakti Department and the District Programme Management Unit (DPMU) team.
The Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of the status and physical progress of JJM schemes across the district. He sought detailed division-wise updates on completed and commissioned schemes, component-wise civil works, timelines for pending projects and the overall progress of rural piped water supply schemes.
The Officials gave a detailed presentation on Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in forest and remote habitations.
Taking serious cognizance of reports regarding water supply disruptions and infrastructure deficiencies in several villages, the Deputy Commissioner strictly directed the Department to identify and rectify the leakages in the distribution network without further delay. He said that any laxity in the maintenance of supply network would be viewed seriously and the officers would be held accountable for lapses within their respective jurisdictions.
The Deputy Commissioner directed to carry out water quality testing directly at household taps rather than only at source points or intermediate stages. He emphasized that the true benchmark of JJM’s success lies in ensuring that clean potable water reaches every household.
Field teams were instructed to carry out regular testing using Field Test Kits (FTKs) at consumers’ doorsteps and maintain proper records of the results.
The meeting also reviewed the activities being held under ongoing Jal Mahotsav (March 8 to March 22, 2026) aimed to promote awareness about water conservation, hygiene and the importance of safe drinking water.
The Deputy Commissioner urged officers to ensure maximum community participation in Jal Mahotsav activities, particularly in Gram Panchayats. “The campaign shall also be used to accelerate last-mile connectivity and addressing grievances of rural beneficiaries,” he maintained.
Issues related to SBM-G were also discussed at the meeting. The officers were directed to go for convergence of sanitation and water supply initiatives at the grassroots level to maximize the health and hygiene outcomes envisioned under the flagship programmes.
