DC Bandipora reviews progress of Swachhta 50-50 campaign

Bandipora, Aug 21: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib Friday chaired a review meeting to assess the progress achieved so far under the district-wide Swachhta 50-50 campaign and reviewed measures for its effective implementation across the district.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the targets achieved under the campaign and took feedback from the concerned officers on the ongoing field-level activities. The meeting focused on strengthening implementation of the initiative, ensuring wider public participation and achieving the desired behavioural change with regard to cleanliness and scientific waste management.
The meeting discussed measures for ensuring that awareness and implementation activities reach every household. It was informed that information/awareness sheets would be pasted in all households to sensitise residents about proper waste management practices and their responsibilities under the Swachhta 50-50 initiative.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed upon the concerned officers and field functionaries to intensify awareness activities, promote source segregation, home composting and responsible disposal of waste, and ensure effective monitoring at the grassroots level.
The role of Eco Clubs, teachers, Anganwadi Centres and other field-level functionaries in spreading awareness and encouraging community participation was also emphasised during the meeting.
The meeting further discussed enforcement measures under the campaign. The Deputy Commissioner directed that violations observed in the public domain would invite punishment and fines under the relevant Acts and applicable sections, with enforcement measures to be intensified from September 15.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that Swachhta 50-50 is based on the principle of equal participation of the Government and the public and called for sustained efforts from all stakeholders to make cleanliness and scientific waste management a collective responsibility.
It was informed that, with effect from 01 September, wet waste shall not be collected and residents shall ensure its proper management at source.
Further, any person found polluting the environment or violating waste-management norms shall be penalised as per the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling & Disposal) Act, 2007. At the same time, individuals and groups making commendable contributions towards waste management and environmental protection shall be suitably recognised and awarded to encourage greater public participation.
The meeting was attended by Programme Officer ICDS, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, and other concerned officers. Block Development Officers, Child Development Project Officers and other field functionaries participated in the meeting virtually.