Secretary RDD reviews progress of SBM-G across J&K

Srinagar, Aug 28: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Directors RDD Kashmir and Jammu, Shabir Hussain Bhat and Shehnaz Akhtar; Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal; Deputy Secretary, Tahir Ahmad Magray; Superintending Engineers REW Kashmir and Jammu; ACDs, ACPs, BDOs, and Executive Engineers REW, among others.

The meeting reviewed key issues including the status of AIP 2025–26, functionality of SBM-G assets, transition of non-ODF+ villages to ODF+ model villages, IHHL construction gaps and pending citizen applications, progress under GOBARdhan, and preparations for Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 and the rollout of SBM-G 3.0.

Reviewing the pace of tendering and allocation of sanitation infrastructure-community sanitary complexes, compost pits, soak pits, segregation sheds, and waste management unit, the Secretary stressed on expediting completion and operationalization of assets to deliver tangible benefits to rural households, especially in districts with low completion rates.

He emphasised on strict documentation, transparency and daily monitoring of progress at the district level, underscoring that timely execution of sanitation projects is vital to achieving SBM-G objectives.

The Secretary also called for swift closure of IHHL gaps and disposal of pending citizen applications to ensure fair access to sanitation facilities for all eligible households. On GOBARdhan scheme, the Secretary directed officials to address feasibility challenges to fast-track biogas initiatives.

Regarding SSG 2025, he instructed strengthening of documentation and evidence uploading for digital verification, ensuring assets are accurately mapped and reported as per national standards.

Outlining contours of SBM-G 3.0, the Secretary urged adoption of cluster-based waste management innovative technologies like waste-to-energy and biochar, and PPP models for plastic recycling. He highlighted the need for sustainable funding mechanisms and resilient systems suited to J&K’s terrain and climate.

He reiterated the importance of convergence with MGNREGA, along with technology-driven monitoring and improved implementation, to make rural sanitation sustainable, equitable, and future-ready. He also underlined the need for capacity building and technical handholding for effective management of assets such as stabilization ponds and plastic waste units.

During the meeting, DG Rural Sanitation presented a detailed progress report and challenges under SBM-G, covering assets including community sanitary complexes, plastic waste management units, greywater systems, DEWATS, soak pits, and GOBARdhan plants across the UT.