JAMMU, Feb 15: Mohammad Aijaz Asad, the Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, undertook a comprehensive inspection of various developmental projects in the blocks of Akhnoor and Pargwal in Jammu District on Saturday.
The primary aim of the visit was to evaluate progress, address public concerns, and strengthen sustainability efforts driven by the community.
During the visit to Panchayat Sungal C, the Secretary assessed the newly established Plastic Waste Management Unit, which caters to three blocks and was built at a cost of Rs 65 lakh. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the local populace, encouraging them to dispose of plastic waste only at designated sites rather than randomly. He also underlined the necessity of engaging self-help groups in this initiative, stating that the unit not only aids in environmental conservation but also creates employment opportunities.
Additionally, he reviewed the activities of self-help groups operating under the Jammu and Kashmir National Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) and commended their product offerings.
In response to requests from women-led self-help groups for a kitchen shed and a sanitary complex, he instructed relevant officials to initiate construction on both the kitchen shed and the community sanitary complex (CSC).
Throughout the tour, the Secretary also evaluated the Panchayat Ghar and the library currently under construction in Sungal Lower Panchayat. He directed that a sanitary complex be built at that location.
Ajaz Asad further examined the GOBARdhan unit at Gurha Brahmana East, which can generate two gas cylinders each day. This project supplies gas to 15 nearby households through a pipeline.
He learned that this project has allowed households to transition from firewood to gas, which is more convenient and cost-effective.
To ensure the ongoing viability of GOBARdhan, the Secretary assigned Block Development Officers the task of monitoring the plant’s operations. He stressed the importance of maintaining these units through self-generated income. He mentioned that the department will soon hold a workshop aimed at training personnel and community members to operate these units effectively.
He reiterated that the success of these initiatives heavily depends on local community involvement and advised the formation of a local committee to oversee operations and receive the necessary training.
Moreover, the Secretary conducted an in-depth review of developmental activities under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, UT Capex, and other initiatives in Akhnoor and Pargwal blocks. He instructed officials to ensure that all PMAY houses and Panchayat Ghars are completed on schedule while constructing community sanitary complexes wherever needed.
He also inspected the CSC, Plastic Waste Management Unit, and other development projects in Pargwal Lower Panchayat.
During his visit, the Secretary engaged with border residents who raised concerns about difficulties accessing their fields during the rainy season due to degraded pathways and the challenges of crossing water channels.
In response to their issues, Ajaz Asad directed the construction of culverts over local water channels and the development of footpaths to facilitate easier movement for residents.
Accompanying the Secretary during the tour were MD NRLM, Subhra Sharma, Additional Secretary, Wasim Raja, ACD Jammu, ACP Jammu, and other officials.
