Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Inder Jeet today convened a meeting of District officers to finalize the activities for conducting of special Gram Sabhas under Jal Shakti Abhiyan on 7th of April 2021.

On being briefed by the Superintendent Engineer Hydraulic Circle Poonch and inputs from the line departments, the Deputy Commissioner directed the officers to implement the decisions in letter and spirit to make the programme a mega success.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Rural Development Department (RDD) officers to read MGNREGA plan for the year 2021-22 in the special Gram Sabhas with special focus on the incorporation of Jal Shakti works.
Highlighting the importance of preservation of traditional water bodies, he stressed on the need of cleanliness drive for conservation of natural water resources, bowlies and local water channels. He also laid emphasis on the desiltation of canals. He opined that at least one water body may be chosen in each Panchayat for conservation work. Department of Rural Development along with I&FC and Jal Shakti were instructed to work in tandem to ensure the very purpose of this drive.
Asking for giving greater impetus to the plantation activities, he directed the Forest and Horticulture departments to plant 250 saplings each . He also asked the Jal Shakti Department to identify land patches for plantation in convergence with Forest and Horticulture department for mass Plantation drive.
The DDC directed the Rural Development Department, for identification of land in the Panchayats lacking Panchayat Ghar with the help of Panchayat representatives.
Seeking strict measures to end menace of plastic, Deputy Commissioner directed Executive Officers Poonch and Surankote to conduct searches and produce challans against the violators. Pollution Control Board officer Poonch was also asked to follow the suit and share the action taken report.
Outlining the growing need of clean water for drinking and other purposes, Deputy Commissioner directed Assistant Commissioner (Dev) Poonch and other line departments to conduct special cleanliness drives with focus on desilting of irrigation kuhls, bowlies and ponds by engaging Panchayat GRS’ and field staff of other line departments.
To meet the challenge of water scarcity in the backdrop of changing monsoon pattern, Deputy Commissioner exhorted upon the concerned officers to switch over to the revival of traditional water conservation and introduction of rain water harvesting techniques in the District.
The participating officers included DFO Poonch, ADDC Poonch, CMO Poonch among other District Officers.