Soreng, September 22 (IPR): The District Level Committee meeting of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) was convened today at the Rurban Complex, Soreng, under the chairmanship of District Collector-cum-Chairman, District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Committee, Mr Dhiraj Subedi.
Addressing the meeting, the DC-cum-Chairman briefed the house on the constitution, mandate and working mechanism of the District Level Committee of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM). He emphasised that effective implementation of water and sanitation programmes requires regular monitoring, timely intervention and close coordination among all concerned departments, local bodies and community stakeholders.
He stressed the importance of source rejuvenation and source sustainability, urging the concerned to undertake regular monitoring of water sources at the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level. He also underscored the need for convergence among departments to ensure long term sustainability of drinking water sources.
On grey water management, the DC called for greater attention towards proper treatment, reuse and safe disposal of wastewater at the local level. He emphasised that grey water management should be integrated with sanitation planning and monitored regularly to prevent environmental degradation and protect public health.
Discussing solid waste management, the DC highlighted the need for proper segregation of waste at source and effective handling of different categories, including wet waste, dry waste, special care waste, hazardous waste and sanitary waste. He urged the concerned authorities to ensure the availability of appropriate segregation bins in waste collection vehicles and strengthen the system of collection, transportation, processing and disposal.
The DC further highlighted the importance of documenting and geotagging and directed the concerned officials to regularly update records.
The technical session on the progress of various initiatives was presented by DE (SDZP)-cum-Member Secretary (DWSM), Mr Kamal Sharma. The presentation covered various aspects of water management under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with particular emphasis on readiness, proper documentation, sustainability, service delivery, and community participation.
The key areas covered during the presentation were as follows:
1. Jal Arpan under Jal Jiwan Mission.
2. Source Sustainability Plan-Sikkim Hills.
3. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) module-shift to reliable service delivery.
4. O&M seasonal and disaster preparedness.
5. O&M digital asset management and prioritisation.
6. O&M roles, capacity and community.
7. O&M- Source, quality, convergence and safety.
8. Pre and post monsoon water quality testing.
9. Geotagging and source discharge.
10. Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQM&S)-II.
11. District Command and Support Centre (DCSC).
12. Sujal Gram Samvad
13. District Administration’s initiative, Swacchha Pani, Swastha Hami.
14. Key challenges identified in Soreng District.
An open house discussion was also conducted during the meeting, wherein members deliberated on various issues, challenges and practical solutions related to water supply and sanitation in the district. Members shared valuable suggestions and observations, emphasising the need for stronger coordination, accountability, regular monitoring and effective inter-departmental convergence for successful implementation of DWSM initiatives.
The meeting commenced with the welcome address by ADC (Development), Mr Ongdi Sherpa, while the vote of thanks was proposed by DPO (Zilla), Mr Kumar Subba.
Present during the meeting were Panchayat Presidents and members, President (SNP), Ms Dina Hangma Subba, Additional Director (Agriculture), Mr Pranaya Gurung, Additional Director (Health Department), Dr. Menuka Tamang, DFO (T), Ms Peggyla Venchungpa, Deputy Director (Education), Mr CT Sherpa, BDOs, Assistant Engineers, officers and officials from various line departments.