‘Focus on reviving non-functional segregation sheds, compost pits, waste vehicles’
Umar Raina
Srinagar, May 18: The government has earmarked 10 per cent of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) Capex Grants for the operation and maintenance of rural sanitation and Solid & Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) assets across Jammu and Kashmir, a move aimed at strengthening the sustainability of infrastructure created under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), officials said.
The decision, taken earlier this year in February, is expected to provide long-term institutional and financial support for maintaining sanitation assets established in Panchayats over the years, including segregation sheds, compost pits, waste collection vehicles, e-carts, and other waste management infrastructure developed under SBM-G.
According to officials, while significant infrastructure has been created in rural areas, the effective functioning and sustainability of these assets remain dependent on regular maintenance, manpower support, and proper waste processing systems. The earmarking of dedicated Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funds is being viewed as a major step towards improving rural sanitation services at the grassroots level.
The initiative is expected to facilitate regular door-to-door waste collection services, maintenance and repair of waste management machinery and vehicles, revival of non-functional segregation sheds and composting units, and scientific management of biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable waste.
Officials further said that the funds will also support sanitation workers through the provision of safety gear and operational assistance while helping improve source segregation and awareness among rural households.
Sources said special emphasis is being laid on the revival and operationalization of already existing but non-functional assets instead of creating additional infrastructure. The government is also focusing on decentralized and environmentally sustainable waste processing systems suited for rural areas and Panchayat-level requirements.
The earmarked funds are also expected to address operational challenges related to transportation, segregation, processing, maintenance, and disposal of waste, thereby improving overall cleanliness and sanitation standards in villages across the Union Territory.
Officials maintained that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment towards strengthening rural sanitation systems, ensuring the sustainability of public assets, and promoting cleaner, healthier, and environmentally responsible Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir.
