Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and assess the status of sewerage treatment infrastructure across urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting also reviewed progress under the AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) programme.
Attended by senior officials including Commissioner Secretary H&UDD Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner JMC, Director ULB Kashmir/Jammu, MD AMRUT, and others, the meeting focused on scientific waste disposal, urban cleanliness, and strengthening sanitation infrastructure.
Dulloo stressed the need for a mission-mode approach to fast-track pending projects and ensure timely completion. He also emphasized the importance of a robust Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan for the upkeep of old community toilets and adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms to prevent water pollution.
Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur briefed the meeting on the solid waste management infrastructure being developed under SBM (Urban) 2.0, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for dry waste, Compressed Biogas (CBG) and compost plants for wet waste, and bioremediation of legacy waste. C&D waste plants are also being set up in Jammu and Srinagar.
Devansh Yadav, Mission Director SBM Urban, detailed MRF capacities under development:
Samiullah Beigh, Superintending Engineer UEED, reported that Jammu & Kashmir’s urban population (approx. 42.5 lakh) generates 457.45 MLD of wastewater. Current STP capacity stands at 163.69 MLD, with an additional 66.9 MLD under execution and 45.2 MLD tendered out.
Under AMRUT 2.0, projects worth ₹1002 crore are being implemented, including ₹867 crore in Central Assistance. The mission targets completion of 99 water supply schemes, sewerage and septic management worth ₹196 crore, and water body rejuvenation worth ₹20 crore.
Dulloo called for alignment of AMRUT with sustainable urban development goals, urging all implementing agencies to maintain momentum, accountability, and ensure clean, resilient urban infrastructure for the region.