A detailed review meeting on the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) in the Union Territory of Ladakh was held on September 10 under the chairmanship of Kamal Kishore Soan, IAS, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NJJM & SBM), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation on the progress and implementation of JJM and SBM-G in Ladakh. The JJM presentation covered the status of Functional Household Tap Connections, physical and financial progress of ongoing schemes, reported and certified Har Ghar Jal villages, village-wise status of Jal Arpan Diwas celebrations, CIRP reforms, District Improvement Plans and deployment of Nal Jal Mitras.

During the discussion, Kamal Kishore Soan enquired about the mechanism for extending JJM coverage to newly established households in tribal villages.

He directed the concerned officers to explore the feasibility of preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new schemes to address the water requirements of tribal habitations in Ladakh under JJM. He assured that necessary support and sanctions would be considered to facilitate the initiative.

He also directed officers to complete Jal Arpan Diwas activities within the stipulated calendar and in accordance with the recently launched Jal Arpan Module of the National Jal Jeevan Mission. Emphasising the importance of safe and sustainable drinking water supply, he stressed the need for post-monsoon testing of water sources for both quality and quantity, including assessment of source yield.

He further directed the concerned officers to ensure timely completion of ongoing works within the prescribed timelines and assured necessary support wherever required.

The meeting also featured videos showcasing various projects under the Him-Sarovar and Rock Check Dam initiatives aimed at groundwater recharge, water conservation and improved channelisation of water for irrigation and drinking-water purposes. The initiatives highlighted efforts being undertaken in Ladakh towards source sustainability and long-term water security.
A separate presentation on Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen provided an overview of its implementation in Ladakh and the challenges being faced at the field level. It covered the functionality of solid waste management assets, ODF Plus Model Village verification, Individual Household Latrines, Community Sanitary Complexes and regular cleanliness drives being conducted across the 240 villages of Ladakh.

During the discussion, Soan reviewed the functionality of waste management machinery in Pangong and directed the concerned officers to ascertain its operational status. He also stressed the importance of coordination with Army authorities, who have expressed their willingness to support waste management initiatives in the area.

Emphasising the need for greater convergence between JJM and SBM-G, Soan directed both missions to work in close coordination. He instructed SBM-G officials to ensure that areas are properly assessed before undertaking waste dumping and that no water bodies or drinking-water sources are located within or in close proximity to designated dumping areas.

Simultaneously, JJM officials were directed to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of water sources, storage tanks and other water-supply infrastructure during the upcoming ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign from September 17 to October 2, 2026.

He further stressed the importance of remapping female workers engaged under JJM as Field Testing Kit (FTK) users to ensure that their deployment does not adversely affect essential water-quality surveillance at the grassroots level. He also advised greater convergence with members and functionaries of the State Rural Livelihood Mission to strengthen community-level water-quality monitoring.

The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, shared successful initiatives and experiences from Kargil district and highlighted challenges concerning the availability and management of tourist toilets during the winter season. He sought appropriate measures to address the issue.

The meeting concluded with directions to the concerned departments and field functionaries to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, ensure timely completion of ongoing works, maintain water and sanitation assets effectively, and undertake necessary measures for sustainable water supply and improved sanitation facilities across Ladakh.