Seminar on Swachh Jammu – Swasthya Jammu
The J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration organized a seminar on “Swachh Jammu – Swasthya Jammu”. The seminar was attended by officers of JMC, JDA, ERA, J&K Police, Town Planning, Resident Welfare Societies, NGO’s, Teachers, Members of IIPA and civil society.
Dr. C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional Branch and Former Chairman, J&K State Pollution Control Board while introducing the subject highlighted that Indian constitution has given a right to a common citizen to have clean air, water and environment. He raised concerns about dumping sites within the city and in close vicinity of major eating points / selling areas for eatables thereby increasing the health hazards. He said that if Jammu aims to become a Smart City all the agencies and stakeholders including members of civil society will have to responsibly come forward to achieve this mission. According to him resources will have to mobilized, capacities will have to be built and mindsets will have to be changed if we aim to make Swachh Jammu – Swasthya Jammu.
Sh Soujanya Sharma, KAS Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation while speaking on the theme said that to make this mission successful public participation is essential and a critical element. He said that some of the major challenges for Jammu are solid waste management, usage of polythene bags, throwing residue in river Tawi by common citizens of the city. He further informed that Jammu Municipal Corporation has taken various initiatives to introduce Sulabh Shouchayalas, recycle waste management, motivate responsible citizens and sanitize various areas of the city. He called upon the citizens to come forward and responsibly cooperate with JMC to make Clean and Green Jammu.
Dr. R K Bharti, Collector, JDA while discussing the role of JDA for Swachh Jammu informed that major cleanliness drives have been undertaken within the city to achieve the mission. Sh B R Sharma, IAS Chairman, IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his presidential remarks said that it is important for us to realize what we are leaving behind for the future generations. He said that the responsibility of making Jammu clean and green lies on the shoulders of each one of us. Further, he remarked that to make a difference, government should also play a proactive role in bringing out the reforms in Urban governance.
During the interaction the members presented their views suggesting that education, awareness of citizens and strict enforcement of law is critical. Er. J B S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch formally welcomed the distinguished members. Dr.Komal Nagar, Joint Director conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary presented the formal vote of thanks.
