Port Blair, Feb 14: The Rural Development Department, A&N Islands has received World Bank Performance Grant for Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt.  of India with an objective to equip the basic capacities of the Gram Panchayat for effective carrying out of Door to Door collection of segregated solid waste and to bring about a behavioural change and social responsibility in rural areas. To achieve the above objective, the department, distributed Wheel Barrows and Household colour coded dustbins in a programme conducted in the Community Hall, Chouldari.

The Secretary (RD), Shri Suneel Anchipaka, was present as the Chief Guest for the distribution function in the presence of Shri Vinay Kumar Jindal, Director (RD/Panchayat) presided over by Shri Hari Kallikkat, IAS, SDM (SA) and Shri Lakshay Singhal, IAS (P). A large number of villagers and Ex-PRI members attended the programme. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary (RD) emphasized on source level segregation and to instil sense of community ownership and behavioural change among public which is must to achieve zero waste islands. He further applauded the support rendered by all in achieving ODF status and envisaged that the rural areas shall strive to become ODF Plus before the timeline fixed by the Ministry. 

Further, the Director (RD/Panchayat) briefed on the various key initiatives taken up by the Department for successful implementation of SBM(G) Phase-II.  He informed that under the World Bank Incentive Fund, the Department will provide battery operated e-Carts to each Clusters. Also, colour coded big size waste containers are also being procured for market places in rural areas. 

Further the team visited the recently constructed Solid Waste Management Centre at Chouldari wherein the Secretary (RD) directed for immediate operationalization of the clusters for effective management of solid waste generated in rural areas.

The Rural Development Department is committed to achieve Zero Waste Islands and requests for public participation to achieve the objective.