Rajouri, Aug 08 (KNO): Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra (JKAS) today chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Rajouri to take stock of the progress achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] and assess the implementation of rural sanitation interventions across the district.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Rajouri, Mohd Rafiq, Block Development Officers of the district, Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers, consultants associated with the Directorate, and other concerned officers and field functionaries.
The review covered a range of critical areas, including the status of sanitation infrastructure, door-to-door waste collection, progress of sanctioned works, tendering of sanitation projects, functionality and operation & maintenance of existing assets, and implementation of Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) interventions under SBM(G).
The Director General undertook a detailed assessment of the progress at the block level and impressed upon the concerned officers to accelerate the execution of sanctioned works and ensure that projects are completed within prescribed timelines without compromising on quality.
Emphasising that rural sanitation requires sustained field-level action beyond the creation of infrastructure, Anoo Malhotra called for effective utilisation of sanitation assets and strengthening of service delivery mechanisms to ensure tangible improvements in cleanliness and waste management in rural areas.
She directed the concerned officers to strengthen door-to-door waste collection systems, ensure regular waste transportation and processing, and make all sanitation assets including Plastic Waste Management Units, Segregation Sheds, composting facilities and other SLWM infrastructure, fully functional and service-oriented.
The Director General stressed the importance of regular monitoring and accountability at the block level, directing the field functionaries to identify bottlenecks, resolve implementation issues promptly and maintain close coordination among all stakeholders for timely completion of works.
She further emphasised that the focus of SBM(G) should increasingly be on sustaining ODF Plus outcomes, improving waste management services and creating clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable rural communities across Rajouri district.
Later, a detailed technical session on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
The session provided an overview of the EPR framework, with particular emphasis on the buy-back responsibility of Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs). The participants were briefed on the need for establishing effective systems for the collection, channelisation, recycling and environmentally sound management of post-consumer waste generated through products and their packaging.
The session also highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination among local institutions, waste management agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that recyclable waste is appropriately channelised and processed in accordance with the prescribed regulatory framework—(KNO)