Zilla Adhyaksha Gyalshing Chairs District Water & Sanitation Mission Committee Meeting
Gyalshing, February 6 (IPR): A District Water & Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Committee meeting was successfully held today at the Conference Hall, District Administrative Centre (DAC), Rabdentse, Gyalshing, chaired by the Zilla Adhyaksha (GDZP) Mr Ds Limboo in the presence of RDD Chairman Mr Narayan Khatiwada and District Collector-cum-Chairperson (DWSM) Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa.
The meeting was convened to review and deliberate on the implementation, monitoring, management and sustainability aspects of key flagship programmes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Jal Seva Aankalan in the district.
At the outset, Director-cum-ADC (Development) Mr Surat Kumar Gurung welcomed the members and highlighted the agenda and objectives of the meeting in detail. He stressed the importance of mandatory institutional coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines, ensuring functional tap water connections to all schools, Anganwadi centres, Gram Panchayat buildings, health centres, wellness centres and community buildings.
He also drew attention to the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) system, aimed at ensuring world-class hygiene and safe sanitation standards in the hospitality sector through proper waste management and water conservation measures. He emphasised that establishments with low ratings must be strictly monitored to promote tourism and environmental cleanliness.
Subsequently, Divisional Engineer (PMGSY-cum-GDZP) Ms Angelmit Lepcha apprised the house of the current status of the Jal Jeevan Mission through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. She shared information on the total number of works sanctioned under JJM in the district, the abstract of physical and financial progress, and other related parameters.
She also emphasised the need for district-level committee interventions in procuring the Har Ghar Jal Certification, which has been delaying the submission of the requisite compliance reports.
Further, she informed the committee about the upcoming celebration of Jal Arpan Diwas and highlighted departmental efforts to include left-out households and address new connection requirements.
While addressing the meeting, Zilla Adhyaksha emphasised the importance of maintaining effective coordination with executing agencies to address operational challenges and ensure timely completion of works. He reiterated that the vision of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), under the BiPaSa initiative is to be collectively achieved through coordinated efforts.
He placed on record his deep appreciation for the professional diligence and technical expertise demonstrated by the departmental engineers, whose consistent efforts remain pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme at the grassroots level.
He further noted that various unforeseen natural events and calamities have impacted certain water supply connections, which may be restored expeditiously through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.
While addressing the gathering, RDD Chairman stressed the need for meetings with concerned contractors and Panchayats where work progress has been delayed. He assured that the department is prepared to engage with contractors to resolve bottlenecks and expedite implementation. He further informed that the remaining funds would be released shortly, as the matter has already been deliberated upon in previous official meetings. He also expressed confidence that coordinated and sustained efforts by all stakeholders would ensure the timely achievement of the stipulated targets.
In his address, District Collector-cum- Chairperson emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination for effective delivery of water supply and sanitation services across all rural blocks. He stated that notices issued by the respective Assistant Engineers to contractors for delayed works must be followed up repeatedly, and in cases of non-compliance, higher authorities should be informed for timely action.
He directed that the PHED and Social Forestry Department be included in the committee to strengthen convergence efforts. The District Collector further instructed the concerned engineers to submit area-wise reports of completed and ongoing works within a week and emphasized that monthly review meetings should be conducted regularly for effective monitoring and successful execution of projects.
He also highlighted the alignment of the State Government’s BiPaSa initiative, which aims to prioritize, upgrade and revamp basic services and connectivity across the state, with the goal of ensuring potable drinking water connections for every household.
The BDOs and concerned Assistant Engineers also presented updates on ongoing works, progress achieved, challenges faced at the grassroots level, and measures required to strengthen service delivery and ensure long-term sustainability.
During the meeting, CMO, District Hospital Gyalshing Dr Namgay Bhutia raised queries regarding water quality monitoring and highlighted the strong linkage between sanitation, hygiene, health outcomes and safe drinking water supply.
In the context of source sustainability, JE, BAC Yuksam Ms Roshna Chettri shared water conservation methods such as trench digging and construction of check dams, which are widely used in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainwater.
Officials from various departments including RDD, Health & Family Welfare, Agriculture, Education, Women & Child Development, District Zilla Panchayat, and Block Development Offices participated in the meeting. Panchayat Presidents from concerned GPUs were also present and provided valuable field-level feedback.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen implementation mechanisms and enhance community participation for the successful execution of water supply and sanitation missions in Gyalshing district.
Report from DIO Gyalshing