Mandeep Kaur reviews working of Urban Local Bodies; Asks for expeditious completion of projects

JAMMU, January 16: Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, today chaired a review meeting of the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Jammu.

The meeting had detailed discussion on various schemes being implemented by the Directorate including SBM (U), AMRUT, IDMT, FC (Grants), drainage sector, Capex besides other development works and initiatives like GIS mapping.

Commissioner Secretary assessed progress on several ongoing projects and issued directions for expeditious completion of these works of vital public importance. She highlighted the importance of implementing the sanitation measures leading to 100 per cent processing of Municipal Solid Waste and enhanced beautification measures with focus on improving the aesthetics of urban areas. This will not only add to the environmental grandeur of urban parts but will immensely help towards revenue enhancement ensuring financial sustainability of local bodies, she maintained.

While reviewing the human resources existing in ULBs, Commissioner Secretary directed the officers for formulating a comprehensive proposal regarding filling up of all vacant vacancies. She instructed them to furnish details regarding release of pending honorarium, telephone charges and other expenses of former members of ULBs.

The Commissioner Secretary directed the officers to ensure timely completion of all the projects undertaken by Directorate of Urban Local Bodies Jammu. She emphasized the importance of shifting towards a paperless work environment through full utilization of e-office platform which will not only reduce bureaucratic hurdles but also enhance data security and facilitate faster decision-making processes within the department.

Reviewing progress on GIS mapping initiated first time in ULBs of J&K, Commissioner Secretary sought details of all thematic layers comprising municipal area/ zone, land use, road and street network, water Supply pumping station, sewer treatment plants, ponds and water lakes, bus shelters, cell phone towers besides hoardings and dumping grounds. She directed the concerned to use this data for urban planning, community development, disaster management and updation of data on Gati Shakti portal.

Mandeep Kaur asked the officers to expedite the process of property survey in coordination with IT/JaKeGA department. On implementation of integrated web solution for all Municipal services, she directed the concerned to coordinate with Jammu Municipal Corporation and Jammu Smart City project authorities for moving ahead.

The Commissioner Secretary underscored the importance of embracing technology to enhance workflow efficiency, reduce paperwork and ensure a more responsive and transparent working of ULBs.

The Commissioner Secretary highlighted the importance of implementing effective revenue enhancement strategies to ensure financial sustainability for Urban Local Bodies. She discussed several innovative measures towards boosting revenue streams, ensuring that the municipal bodies are well-equipped to meet the growing demand of urban development while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In a move to streamline sanitation issues and garbage collection processes, the Commissioner Secretary asked for ensuring 100 per cent door to door collection of waste as procurement of collection and transportation vehicles has been completed and modalities shall be finalized soon for removal of all primary collection points within the ULBs to make bin free cities. Besides, processing facilities should be made operational so as to decrease the gap of waste generation and processing, she added.

Regarding work undertaken by Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA) and establishment of Emergency Responsible Sanitation Unit (ERSU) at ULB headquarter, the Commissioner Secretary directed for resolving all issues on this account. She asked for making the response 24×7 helpline linked with each ERSU functional for redressing the grievances of public on this account. 

Commissioner Secretary exhorted upon the officers to work with zeal and dedication to meet the challenges and desired outcomes with a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.

Earlier, Director Urban Local Bodies, Jammu, highlighted the achievements and activities of the organization while emphasizing successful completion of various projects.

Among others the meeting was attended by Director Finance H&UDD, Joint Director (P&S) HUDD, Deputy Director and other officers and officials of the department.