Communities must own their sanitation assets: DG Anoo
Jammu: A UT-wide push to ensure every rural toilet in Jammu and Kashmir is fully functional and community-maintained took centre stage on Wednesday as the Directorate of Rural Sanitation launched the “Hamara Shauchalay, Hamara Bhavishya” campaign on World Toilet Day. The initiative places direct emphasis on repairing, upgrading and beautifying sanitation facilities—marking one of the most expansive maintenance-focused drives undertaken under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen in the UT.
Running from November 19 to December 10, the campaign spans all districts, blocks and Gram Panchayats, with a structured plan to review existing infrastructure, revive non-functional Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) and encourage community-led upkeep of household toilets.
Director General Rural Sanitation J&K, Anoo Malhotra, said the drive aims to deepen public involvement in protecting the gains made under SBMG. She noted that the campaign’s thrust on aesthetics, maintenance and ownership would “empower communities to become active partners in achieving Sampoorna Swachhata across the UT.”
Activities under the campaign include large-scale repair drives, repainting and beautification of CSCs and Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), awareness sessions in schools on hygiene and waste management, and mobilisation of youth volunteers from NSS, NYKS and NCC. Local influencers, senior citizens and civil society groups will also be roped in to widen outreach.
Sanitation workers across J&K—credited with sustaining rural hygiene infrastructure—will be felicitated during the campaign period. Newly approved IHHL beneficiaries will receive sanction letters as part of the public outreach.
District administrations have simultaneously begun preparations for Best Toilet Competitions at Panchayat, Block and District levels. The most well-maintained IHHLs and CSCs will be awarded on December 10, Human Rights Day, aligning with the campaign’s closing ceremony.
The Directorate has urged citizens and community leaders to actively support the drive, highlighting that J&K has already created 18,49,023 IHHLs and 8,355 CSCs under SBMG—reflecting sustained efforts to expand safe sanitation access.
