Gangtok, February 17 (IPR): Chief Secretary, Mr R Telang, chaired the State Apex Committee meeting under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) at Teesta Lounge, Tashiling Secretariat, today.
Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mr Anil Raj Rai, delivered the welcome address and outlined the agenda.
In his address, the Chief Secretary stated that cleanliness assessment should be scientific and evidence based. He stressed the need to retrieve and use data for assessment and said a statistical, data-driven approach was required to identify gaps. He emphasised the need for a database on waste management and directed departments to collect data on import and disposal of plastic bottles. He advised that expenditure provisions be included in plans and instructed departments to prepare visual communication for citizens.
He also urged Gram Panchayat Units to sensitise communities on water conservation and prevention of forest fires. He stated that local bodies should promote protection of water sources and catchment areas. He advised Panchayats to conduct awareness at village level. He added that these measures should be taken in coordination with concerned departments.
Special Secretary and Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Ms Koshi Kapil, presented action taken on previous Apex Committee decisions, the implementation status in the State and the proposed Annual Implementation Plan 2026–2027.
She informed that action points covered plastic waste management measures, inclusion in Cleanest GPU criteria, integration of sanitation in institutions, IEC strengthening, campaign mode implementation, assessment of school incinerators and pilot drain end points with testing of treated water. She stated that plastic waste management systems, community sanitary complexes and faecal sludge and septage management systems are functional in districts, along with implementation of Swachh School and IEC activities. She further informed that capacity building, stakeholder engagement and IEC activities have been carried out under SBM(G).
She stated that the Annual Implementation Plan 2026–2027 under SBM(G) covers Solid Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, Menstrual Waste and Health Management, Grey Water Management, Faecal Sludge Management, Individual Household Latrine, Community Sanitary Complex, Capacity Building and IEC. The Committee reviewed the AIP components and timelines and directed departments and districts to implement activities in campaign mode and ensure operation and maintenance of assets under SBM(G).
Heads of Departments, Secretaries and officers from line departments attended the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Joint Secretary and State Coordinator, SBM(G), RDD, Mr Deepak Rai.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK