Chief Secretary, B B Vyas Tuesday reiterated his earlier direction regarding ensuring that J&K State is declared open defecation free (ODF) by March, 2018 and the district wise targets, set for the construction of Individual House Hold Toilets (IHHTs) and Community/Public Toilets (CTs/PTs) also called Janta Toilets are achieved.Chairing the 5Th meeting of the State Level Apex Committee (SLAC) on Swachh Bharat Mission, Chief Secretary underscored the importance of the programme and urged all line departments to accord highest priority to the mission.It was informed that against the approved 37000 IHHTs, work was started in 21243 IHHTs. Out of these, 7000 IHHTs have already been handed over to the beneficiaries. Similarly, on Janta Toilets, against the mission target of 2078 seats, work was taken up on 1966 seats. Out of these, 1271 seats have been constructed and 695 are under construction.To achieve the targets by 31st March, 2018, Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to push the completion of works on IHHTs and Janta Toilets as per the mission guidelines, including provision of ramps for specially-abled persons besides uploading the location of Janta toilets on Google map.
In regard to Solid Waste Management (SWM), the Committee was informed that 19 clusters have been formed for the scientific disposal of solid waste, covering all the 78 urban towns and capital cities of Jammu & Srinagar. Out of the 19 clusters, the DPRs of all clusters have been prepared and out of these 10 DPRs have been tendered. Land has also been identified in 17 clusters with directions to the implementing agencies to ensure transfer of land identified for the purpose to the Urban Local Bodies immediately for establishing the SWM project.Chief Secretary directed that DCs should review the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission on monthly basis besides a vigorous publicity campaign on print and electronic including radio/FM should be launched by the implementing agencies so that message about Swachhta/use of toilets/ disposal of waste reaches to the masses.