Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, who is also Chairman of the District Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), today chaired a review meeting at the Meeting Hall, New DC Complex, Kishtwar, to assess progress of Water Supply Schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed progress of 130 Water Supply Schemes, discussing their implementation status, pending issues and timelines for completion. Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Doda gave a presentation on progress, challenges and expected timelines for completion.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officers concerned to initiate the Jal Aanklan process for 10 completed Water Supply Schemes. Reviewing the status of Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), he directed that remaining tap connections in 13 nearly completed schemes be provided without delay, to enable completion and commissioning at the earliest.
He also reviewed the tendering process and instructed officers to rectify required specifications and re-float pending tenders within three days. The meeting was informed that 19 tribal habitations have already been approved under DAJGUA, while DPRs for the remaining five habitations have been submitted to the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officers concerned to pursue the matter so that all habitations are provided tap water connections. Reviewing the functioning of water testing laboratories, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Jal Shakti Department to address infrastructure gaps at Dachan, Paddar and Thatri laboratories through administrative funds, and initiate renewal of NABL accreditation for the District Water Testing Laboratory, Kishtwar.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the status of two non-functional Rapid Sand Filter Plants in Kishtwar town and directed officers concerned to prepare DPRs for their restoration at the earliest. Noting a shortage of water sample collectors, he directed AEEs concerned to coordinate with chemists concerned and prepare a plan for regular collection of water samples from water sources, reservoirs, Anganwadi Centres, health institutions and habitations.
The DC also reviewed the ongoing "Stop Diarrhoea Campaign" and directed CPO Kishtwar to coordinate with CMO Kishtwar and MS DH Kishtwar to ensure supply of chlorine tablets to Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Division Kishtwar for distribution through the five water testing laboratories.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Jal Shakti Department Kishtwar to closely monitor works, maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of all Water Supply Schemes. Among those present were SE Sunil Seth, PM JJM Er Fayaz Mehta, ACP Neeraj Sharma, CDPO Akhil Thakur, AEEs, JEs and other staff of the Jal Shakti Department and DPMU Kishtwar.