Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan Tuesday said the government will not allow any constructions in low lying, flood prone and landslide prone areas.Speaking at a function after launching cleanliness campaign under Swachh Bharat Mission at Ganderbal, the Minister said effective measures need to be taken to check any catastrophic situation in future due to natural calamities like floods.Abdul Haq said for new constructions in rural areas, proper permission needs to be obtained from competent authorities and asked the officers to ensure time-bound disposal of the applications. “Much has been said till now. Let us plan for our future generations. Let’s plan in a way so that our future generations will benefit from it like Mughals created assets which are still standing,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the role of cleanliness/sanitation for the health and hygiene of human beings. He urged the stakeholders for their active participation in the campaign, so that the goal of holistic sanitation is achieved. The Minister also stressed for prompt disposal of waste and elimination of polythene from the daily life.The Minister reiterated that his ministry will not allow use of polythene in the rural areas of the state. “Government has now empowered BDOs also to seize the polythene. So they should exercise this power,” he added.To boost the Swach Bharat campaign, Minister said 10 best performing Panchayats will be awarded on quarterly basis which will exhibit regular cleanliness’ including removal of polythene. “Simultaneously stern action will be taken for non-performing Panchayats,” he added.Haq Khan also proposed creation of “Panchayat Cleanliness Fund” at local level by putting in place the mechanism of user charges from shopkeepers and households excluding BPLs.
He said the fund generated will be used for the cleanliness of the respective villages.The minister said the cleanliness drives should not be just a formality but should be done on routine basis to ensure hygienic environment which guarantees a healthy life.While talking to officers of the District Ganderbal, minister Haq Khan said there is a need to sensitize the people in general and the grass root workers of associated departments in particular for making cleanliness as part and parcel of daily routine.Earlier minister inaugurated the month long campaign and also flagged off a rally of children wherein the participants stressed for cleanliness.
The event was attended by the school children, Anganwadi workers, Asha workers, Panchs, Sarpanchs and a large number of people. The District Development Officer, Ganderbal, Showkat Aijaz Bhat, in his welcome address, said every individual should understand the importance of having hygienic surroundings and Swachh Bharat Mission must be encouraged across the State. He further added that unity and understanding among the people is necessary to achieve the goal of Swachh Bharat Mission.
After the vote of thanks presented by Director Sanitation, Showkat Ahmad Beigh, the Minister flagged off Swachh Bharat Mission Van boarding school children with placards in their hands carrying messages regarding Cleanliness and hygiene. MLA, Ganderbal, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, Director Rural Development, and officers of district administration and Rural Development Department were present on the occasion.