Kiphire DWSM reviews water, sanitation progress

District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) Committee, Kiphire, held its review meeting on September 9 at the Office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, chaired by DC and DWSM chairman, Temsuwati Longkumer.
According to DIPR report, during the meeting, the committee reviewed progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), including household tap connections, coverage, and functionality.
Updates on the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) and sustainability of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status were also discussed, along with rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge efforts.
Members deliberated on convergence activities with departments such as MGNREGS, Agriculture, PHED, and Rural Development. Planning and implementation issues were addressed, including the integration of Village Action Plans (VAPs) into the District Action Plan, prioritization of water-stressed villages, and strategies for equitable coverage of vulnerable and remote habitations. Preparations for seasonal water scarcity were also taken up.
The committee reviewed water quality and sustainability measures, including the status of testing laboratories and village-level kits.
Actions taken against contamination from arsenic, fluoride, and iron were highlighted, alongside efforts in source strengthening, catchment protection, and spring rejuvenation.
Capacity building and IEC activities were emphasized, with a focus on training Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), promoting hygiene and handwashing, and conducting awareness campaigns under SBM-G and JJM.
Operation and maintenance mechanisms for piped water supply schemes were reviewed, with discussions on the role of Gram Panchayats and WATSANs in ensuring functionality.
Finance and fund utilization under JJM, SBM-G, and related schemes were assessed, including expenditure status, pending utilization certificates, and bottlenecks in fund flow.
The committee also explored mobilizing CSR support for water and sanitation infrastructure.
Monitoring and evaluation updates included MIS data entry on IMIS portals, third-party verification reports, and grievance redressal from villages.
Special issues such as emergency response to water-related disease outbreaks and directives from the State Water & Sanitation Mission were also discussed.
Earlier, welcoming members from various departments, DC Temsuwati Longkumer emphasized that as an Aspirational District, Kiphire receives multiple schemes and projects from the Centre.
He urged all stakeholders to uphold transparency and dedication in implementing these initiatives across departments.
He also directed the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the Kiphire Town Ward Chairman to identify and report natural water sources such as rivers and lakes for future planning.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Chair.