News & Announcement
DC Soreng Chairs District Level Committee meeting for DWSM at DAC
Soreng, November 4 (IPR): DC Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi chaired the District Level Committee meeting for District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) at District Administrative Centre (DAC), Soreng, today.
The DC cum Chairman of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Mr Dhiraj Subedi, addressed the gathering and extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants present at the meeting.
In his address, he sought detailed updates on the ongoing projects and activities undertaken under the Soreng District. He also, provided a brief overview of the District Level Committee meeting for District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM), highlighting its aims and core objectives. He further noted that, since the formation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019, there has been a paradigm shift in policy direction and implementation, particularly in areas related to water resources management, revival and conservation.
Emphasising the need for a multi-dimensional and multi-departmental approach, he stated that the Water Resources Department (WRD) must take the lead in coordinating and guiding other line departments in achieving the mission’s goals. He also, elaborated on the various schemes and initiatives under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, stressing the importance of establishing Jal Shakti Kendras, protecting water resources and ensuring mass sensitisation and public awareness.
He further, commended the water tank cleaning initiative undertaken by Soreng District, noting that it has been widely appreciated. He urged the Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to remain proactive and called upon Panchayat members to closely monitor and effectively implement related programmes at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, he stated that this is the right time to shift our mindset and administrative approach towards sustainable water management. He encouraged a collaborative effort among all concerned departments and the DWSM Committee. He further suggested conducting monthly and field inspections of water sources, identifying challenges on the ground level and fostering innovation and vibrancy within the mission’s framework.
ADC (Dev.) Mr Gaayas Pega, also addressed the house and extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants present at the meeting. He then, briefed the house on the significance of water and sanitation, emphasising their integral role in human life. Quoting, “From birth till death, water is a mandate,” he highlighted the fundamental importance of water and stated that sanitation naturally follows. He urged all concerned departments to adopt a collective and coordinated approach, expressing hope that the meeting would be fruitful, innovative and action-oriented.
During the session, he conducted a demonstration of water testing using a TDS meter, showcasing the difference in contamination levels between tap water and packaged mineral water. He further, spoke about the district initiative “Swaacha Pani, Swaacha Hami”, launched under the Soreng District and called for its continued implementation with increased public participation and awareness. Stressing that “Cleanliness and sanitation start from the heart,” he underscored the need for every individual to understand and protect their local water resources.
He further, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Committee, highlighting key guidelines that included:
-Promoting sustainable management of water resources and ensuring equitable access
-Strengthening Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) for effective local-level implementation
-Ensuring regular monitoring, testing and maintenance of water sources and supply systems
-Integrating efforts across departments and panchayats for holistic development under the Jal Shakti Mission.
He concluded his address by encouraging all stakeholders to share their ideas, innovative solutions and best practices, reaffirming the district’s commitment to achieving the goals of clean water, better sanitation and a healthier community.
DFO (T) Ms Peggila Venchunpa provided insights into various environmental and ecological concerns relating to the watershed areas and how valuable they are as water resources. She also enlightened the gathering on the effects of proper afforestation and benefits which would help the community. She further urged the departmental officials to inform the forest officials before entering dense forest areas which would be beneficial for their safety.
Initially, a detailed presentation on the field visit report conducted by the Central Nodal Officials (CNO) was delivered by Assistant Engineer (Zilla) Mr Kamal Sharma. In his presentation he highlighted the key interventions and achievements undertaken across the district and underscored the recommendations and suggestions put forth by the Central Team for the further strengthening of water and sanitation initiatives in Soreng District. He also, presented the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for all six blocks under Soreng District, providing the house with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing and proposed developmental works.
An open house discussion was also conducted during the meeting, where various issues, challenges and practical solutions were discussed. Members of the house shared valuable suggestions and observations, emphasising the need for stronger coordination, accountability and inter-departmental collaboration.
Key points raised during the discussion included the importance of establishing a robust check and balance mechanism, adopting best practices and enhancing the collaborative functioning of departments. The house also underscored the significance of obtaining sanitation certificates at the GPU level and ensuring the sustainability of water resources, particularly through initiatives such as Dhara Bikash, along with continued cooperation and maintenance efforts.
Other important topics discussed were the streamlining of water distribution systems, especially in Soreng’s upcoming transition to a Nagar Panchayat and addressing concerns related to landfill management, waste segregation and the maintenance of water distribution tanks. The need for adequate manpower at the grassroots level, including the deployment of barefoot engineers was also highlighted.
The house further suggested revising reporting mechanisms, assigning dedicated barefoot engineers for main line routes and considering the establishment of quarters for their accommodation. Also, the discussions focused on health advisories, grey water treatment, watershed conservation and catchment area maintenance, with the collective goal of ensuring sustainable water and sanitation management across the district.
The welcome address was delivered by DPO (Zilla) Mr Kumar Subba while the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by AE (Zilla) Mr Kamal Sharma.
Present during the meeting were Panchayat Members, ADC-I Mr DR Bista, Deputy Director (Education) Mr Chewang Tshering Sherpa, Deputy Director (RDD, BAC Mangalbarey) Mr Manorath Rai, DFO (T) Ms Peggyla Venchungpa, DIO (IPRD, Soreng) Dr. Aaron E Lepcha, President ( Pragati sangh) Mr TN Thapa, Heads of Departments, Assistant Engineers, BDOs, Officers and Officials of various line departments and Junior Engineers.
The DC cum Chairman of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Mr Dhiraj Subedi, addressed the gathering and extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants present at the meeting.
In his address, he sought detailed updates on the ongoing projects and activities undertaken under the Soreng District. He also, provided a brief overview of the District Level Committee meeting for District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM), highlighting its aims and core objectives. He further noted that, since the formation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019, there has been a paradigm shift in policy direction and implementation, particularly in areas related to water resources management, revival and conservation.
Emphasising the need for a multi-dimensional and multi-departmental approach, he stated that the Water Resources Department (WRD) must take the lead in coordinating and guiding other line departments in achieving the mission’s goals. He also, elaborated on the various schemes and initiatives under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, stressing the importance of establishing Jal Shakti Kendras, protecting water resources and ensuring mass sensitisation and public awareness.
He further, commended the water tank cleaning initiative undertaken by Soreng District, noting that it has been widely appreciated. He urged the Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to remain proactive and called upon Panchayat members to closely monitor and effectively implement related programmes at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, he stated that this is the right time to shift our mindset and administrative approach towards sustainable water management. He encouraged a collaborative effort among all concerned departments and the DWSM Committee. He further suggested conducting monthly and field inspections of water sources, identifying challenges on the ground level and fostering innovation and vibrancy within the mission’s framework.
ADC (Dev.) Mr Gaayas Pega, also addressed the house and extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants present at the meeting. He then, briefed the house on the significance of water and sanitation, emphasising their integral role in human life. Quoting, “From birth till death, water is a mandate,” he highlighted the fundamental importance of water and stated that sanitation naturally follows. He urged all concerned departments to adopt a collective and coordinated approach, expressing hope that the meeting would be fruitful, innovative and action-oriented.
During the session, he conducted a demonstration of water testing using a TDS meter, showcasing the difference in contamination levels between tap water and packaged mineral water. He further, spoke about the district initiative “Swaacha Pani, Swaacha Hami”, launched under the Soreng District and called for its continued implementation with increased public participation and awareness. Stressing that “Cleanliness and sanitation start from the heart,” he underscored the need for every individual to understand and protect their local water resources.
He further, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Committee, highlighting key guidelines that included:
-Promoting sustainable management of water resources and ensuring equitable access
-Strengthening Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) for effective local-level implementation
-Ensuring regular monitoring, testing and maintenance of water sources and supply systems
-Integrating efforts across departments and panchayats for holistic development under the Jal Shakti Mission.
He concluded his address by encouraging all stakeholders to share their ideas, innovative solutions and best practices, reaffirming the district’s commitment to achieving the goals of clean water, better sanitation and a healthier community.
DFO (T) Ms Peggila Venchunpa provided insights into various environmental and ecological concerns relating to the watershed areas and how valuable they are as water resources. She also enlightened the gathering on the effects of proper afforestation and benefits which would help the community. She further urged the departmental officials to inform the forest officials before entering dense forest areas which would be beneficial for their safety.
Initially, a detailed presentation on the field visit report conducted by the Central Nodal Officials (CNO) was delivered by Assistant Engineer (Zilla) Mr Kamal Sharma. In his presentation he highlighted the key interventions and achievements undertaken across the district and underscored the recommendations and suggestions put forth by the Central Team for the further strengthening of water and sanitation initiatives in Soreng District. He also, presented the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for all six blocks under Soreng District, providing the house with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing and proposed developmental works.
An open house discussion was also conducted during the meeting, where various issues, challenges and practical solutions were discussed. Members of the house shared valuable suggestions and observations, emphasising the need for stronger coordination, accountability and inter-departmental collaboration.
Key points raised during the discussion included the importance of establishing a robust check and balance mechanism, adopting best practices and enhancing the collaborative functioning of departments. The house also underscored the significance of obtaining sanitation certificates at the GPU level and ensuring the sustainability of water resources, particularly through initiatives such as Dhara Bikash, along with continued cooperation and maintenance efforts.
Other important topics discussed were the streamlining of water distribution systems, especially in Soreng’s upcoming transition to a Nagar Panchayat and addressing concerns related to landfill management, waste segregation and the maintenance of water distribution tanks. The need for adequate manpower at the grassroots level, including the deployment of barefoot engineers was also highlighted.
The house further suggested revising reporting mechanisms, assigning dedicated barefoot engineers for main line routes and considering the establishment of quarters for their accommodation. Also, the discussions focused on health advisories, grey water treatment, watershed conservation and catchment area maintenance, with the collective goal of ensuring sustainable water and sanitation management across the district.
The welcome address was delivered by DPO (Zilla) Mr Kumar Subba while the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by AE (Zilla) Mr Kamal Sharma.
Present during the meeting were Panchayat Members, ADC-I Mr DR Bista, Deputy Director (Education) Mr Chewang Tshering Sherpa, Deputy Director (RDD, BAC Mangalbarey) Mr Manorath Rai, DFO (T) Ms Peggyla Venchungpa, DIO (IPRD, Soreng) Dr. Aaron E Lepcha, President ( Pragati sangh) Mr TN Thapa, Heads of Departments, Assistant Engineers, BDOs, Officers and Officials of various line departments and Junior Engineers.