Srinagar, November 17 (KNS): As part of the fifth phase of Back to Village programme during November 07 to 16, 2023, the Jal Jeevan Mission, J&K conducted 4464 activities across Jammu & Kashmir.
The activities included awareness camps, inauguration of water supply schemes, inspection of works, training of handling and distribution of field testing kits (FTKs), holding of Gram Sabhas, debates, painting competitions, installation of signages, collection and testing of water samples and other related activities.
Among the activities conducted, 1129 special Gram Sabhas were held, 971 women were trained in handling the field testing kits, 576 training sessions were held for handling FTKs, 530 works were inspected by the Visiting Officers, water testing with FTKs was done at 497 villages, FTKs were distributed in 221 villages besides installation of 146 signages, holding of 108 water awareness camps, 87 school rallies and 29 painting competitions.
District wise, 504 activities were held in Jammu district, 496 activities in Kulgam district, 407 activities in Rajouri district followed by Reasi(406 activities), Kishtwar(398 activities), Pulwama(316 activities) and other districts.
It may be mentioned here that Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM) is a flagship programme of national importance the aim of which is to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to 18.67 lakh rural households in the UT of J&K, at an estimated cost of Rs. 14000 crore which not only involves creation of a sustainable water infrastructure but to build the capacities of the local communities and involve them in the management of the water supply assets on a long term and sustainable basis.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, while appreciating the initiatives being made by the field Engineering teams and the District Jal Jeevan Missions, impressed upon the stakeholders to intensify the efforts to complete the mission targets in time with accountability, transparency and involvement of local communities.
Mr. Kabra visited the Sool Panchayat as prabhari officer, where he interacted with the public regarding various schemes of the UT and Central Govt with main focus of Jal Jeevan Mission.
Mission Director, Jal Shakti, Dr. G N Itoo has thanked all Deputy Commissioners for their active support in making the campaign a success. He has also thanked the visiting officers, PRIs and local communities, line Departments, field staff and other agencies for their cooperation in the campaign.(KNS)