Shrikant directs timely completion of works, strengthened rural sanitation
Kupwara : District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the officers concerned to assess the progress of developmental works being executed under the District CAPEX Budget 2026-27 and review the implementation of sanitation initiatives across the district.
During the meeting, the DDC conducted a detailed block-wise review of the ongoing works and directed all executing agencies to accelerate the pace of execution to ensure timely completion of projects within the stipulated timeframe. He emphasized that all works must be executed in strict adherence to the prescribed quality standards and called for regular field monitoring to ensure transparency, accountability and effective implementation.
The meeting was informed that a total of 2,287 works have been approved under the Rural Development Department during the current financial year. These works span various sectors, including PRI Grants, BDC Grants, DDC Grants, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Health, APDS, ABDS, SSY, UT CAPEX (Tribal), UT CAPEX (Revenue), Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and MPLADS.
Reviewing the implementation of the District Sanitation Plan, the DDC directed the officers concerned to strengthen sustainable solid waste management systems across all Gram Panchayats with special emphasis on operationalising Door-to-Door (D2D) waste collection, identifying waste collection points, ensuring scientific transportation and disposal of waste, and promoting community participation to achieve sustainable sanitation outcomes. He also stressed the need for proper operation and maintenance of sanitation assets and called for sustained awareness among the public regarding cleanliness and waste segregation.
The meeting was informed that, in the first phase, a dedicated amount has been allocated to each Gram Panchayat to facilitate the implementation of solid waste management activities.
The DDC also reviewed the progress achieved under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 2026-27. He directed the concerned officers to expedite the execution of the sanitation infrastructure works and ensure their timely completion and operationalisation.
DFO Kehmil, Langate and Kamraj informed participants about initiative taken in terms of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for solid waste management at tourist destinations within or adjoining Reserve Forests. The SOP mandates scientific carrying-capacity studies for major sites, destination-specific waste management plans, and a ban on single-use plastics in ecologically sensitive areas. Anti-polythene check posts and Eco-Task Forces will enforce restrictions, while separate bins and coordination with Urban Local Bodies and RDD to ensure scientific disposal under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
Among others, the meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Divisional Forest Officers, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Block Development Officers, Tehsildars, Executive Engineer REW, Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and other officers concerned.
