Lieutenant Governor, Radha Krishna Mathur launched the 100 Days Campaign to provide assured portable water supply to schools and Anganwadi centers in Ladakh and drinking water quality testing labs on October 24 at District Informatics Center (DIC), Kargil.

The water sample testing lab was established under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Har Ghar Jal.  Field test kits (FTKs) training to Panchayats for drinking water quality testing was also launched. 

Ladakh has 907 schools and 1140 Anganwadi Centres out of which 258 schools and 401 Anganwadi Centres do not have a reliable and functional water supply. During the next 100 days, all such schools and Anganwadi Centres will be provided functional tap connection by the UT Administration.

L-G Mathur appreciated the efforts of the PHE Department Ladakh for its efforts towards the successful implementation of the JJM in Ladakh UT so far. He underlined the need to ensure due participation of the public representatives, PRI members, and the general public during the implementation of the scheme at all levels. 

R K Mathur stressed a proper blend of technology and traditional methods of water management to ensure assured water supply to the local populations.

Commissioner Secretary PHE, I&FC, and Urban Development UT Ladakh, Ajeet Kumar Sahu spoke about the objectives of JJM, strategy, safe and secure drinking water supply management, preparatory steps, planning, and implementation and other related aspects to connect each and every household of UT Ladakh with piped water supply by the year 2022-23.

He informed the L-G about the present status of functional household tap connections (FHTCs) and the year-wise action plan/ target to be completed in 4 phases by 2022-23. He also enumerated the status of drinking water quality monitoring, testing of drinking water sources and delivery points in Leh and Kargil districts besides the status of NABL accreditation of the drinking water testing laboratories.

Regarding Smart City Mission, Ajeet Kumar Sahu and the members of the Smart Cities Mission from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) through a powerpoint presentation informed about various consultative meetings with the stakeholders in Leh and Kargil districts for starting up of projects under the Smart Cities Mission in the 2 cities.

For the purpose of implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in the twin districts, the action plan is being prepared and core committees have also been constituted for concept and policy decisions. A website will also be launched by October 30, 2020, for public consultations.