JAMMU, AUGUST 7: Taking note of sanitation concerns highlighted by a young student, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, today visited Ward number 9 and 10 of Katra Municipal Committee to assess the issues raised in a video shared by Aarvi Mandla, a Class IV student of Katra.
During the visit, the Commissioner Secretary interacted with Aarvi, local residents, community representatives and municipal officials. Detailed deliberations were held on issues related to solid waste management, drainage, door-to-door waste collection, home composting, user charges and community participation in maintaining cleanliness.
Appreciating the student’s civic sense, Mandeep Kaur congratulated Aarvi for taking a constructive stand and displaying commendable awareness and concern for her neighbourhood.
In recognition of her initiative, Aarvi was appointed as the “Swachhata Ambassador” for the area. An elated Aarvi expressed gratitude to the Commissioner Secretary, officers and members of the community for responding positively to her appeal.
The Commissioner Secretary directed the officers to develop Ward number 9 as a “Model Swachhata Ward” through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. She stressed on distribution of composting bins, promotion of waste segregation at source and encouragement of home composting. She instructed for launching an intensive IEC campaign to sensitize residents about cleanliness initiatives and ensure sustainable outcomes.
The Municipal Committee was instructed to ensure last-mile door-to-door waste collection covering every household and commercial establishment, along with regular collection of user charges. Special emphasis was laid on regular cleaning and desilting of drains, timely lifting of waste, elimination of vulnerable garbage points and close field-level supervision.
A sustained public-awareness campaign will also be undertaken with Aarvi as the Swachhata Ambassador to encourage students, families, shopkeepers and other stakeholders to participate actively in keeping their surroundings clean. Alongside awareness and community engagement, strict compliance with Solid Waste Management and Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines will be ensured and appropriate action will be taken against littering and improper disposal of waste.
Director, Urban Local Bodies Jammu and officials of the Municipal Committee were also present during the visit.
