SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today convened a meeting at the Legislative Assembly here, under the Chairmanship of Surjeet Singh Slathia, to examine the CAG Audit Paras pertaining to the Housing and Urban Development Department.
The meeting was attended by Legislators Mubarik Gul, Shamim Firdous, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Ch. Mohammad Akram, Vikram Randhawa and Tanvir Sadiq
The Chairman observed that deficiencies flagged by the CAG including gaps in planning for ULBs, lack of stakeholder consultation in preparation of SWM Action Plans, non-assessment of quantity and composition of waste and inadequate segregation at source need to be addressed on priority. He further noted that issues related to collection, transportation, processing, scientific disposal, adherence to SWM Rules 2016 and deficient manpower and capacity building of sanitation staff require concerted efforts at the ULB level.
The Committee held detailed deliberations on Audit Paras concerning the Solid Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies, including collection, segregation at source, transportation, processing and scientific disposal of waste. The Committee also reviewed issues relating the financial management, capacity building and implementation of waste management rules.
During the meeting, Surjeet Singh Slathia, emphasized that proper utilization of public funds is essential for strengthening the democratic institutions and ensuring clean environment for citizens. He underlined the need for strict adherence to the prescribed guidelines and for time-bound implementation of Solid Waste Management projects.
The Chairman stressed on achieving 100 percent door-to-door collection and segregation of waste at source, improvement of approach roads to dumping sites and scientific management of legacy waste, particularly along highway corridors. He emphasized on conducting Compliance Audit and Performance Audit to ensure transparency, accountability and effective outcome of urban development schemes.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Commissioner, SMC; Ayushi Sudan, Commissioner, JMC, Chief Engineer, UEED Director, ULB Jammu Deputy Accountant General, besides other senior officers of the Department and officers of the Assembly Secretariat.
