Level-2 Training Programme under Jal Jeevan Mission on Sensor-based IoT systems for monitoring rural water supply with field exposure visit was launched on February 15.

 Deputy Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Tsering Angchuk and Deputy Commissioner/ CEO, LAHDC, Leh, Shrikant Suse co-chaired the inaugural ceremony. The training programme is organised by the All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) - an empanelled agency under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, GoI for the JJM officials of UT Ladakh, including the Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs) of both Leh and Kargil district.

Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk expressed gratitude to AIILSG for organising the training for the officials at a crucial time when the working season is about to start in Ladakh. He added that the feedback received on the completed works of JJM should be taken in a positive manner to improve and overcome the challenges while executing new works in the coming season with proper monitoring. He urged the participants to take maximum benefit from this training and enhance their potential. 

Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shrikant Suse appreciated the hard work of JJM officials for making JJM a success in the region and highlighted the role of both the Hill Councils in streamlining the execution of works at the ground level. He shared major findings of the recent techno-managerial review conducted of JJM works in both Leh and Kargil and asked all officials to undertake necessary corrective measures in upcoming works. 

DC Leh added that the sensor-based IoT system is a major technical solution for monitoring rural water supply bringing accountability and transparency. He added that a sensor-based IoT system has been installed at Changa village and also shared the plan of expanding it in other villages of the district. He also urged the participants to actively participate in the training programme by sharing their experiences and knowledge of working in harsh terrain and climatic conditions and learning from the experts.    

Earlier, Director, JJM-V, Ministry of Jal Shakti, P Vishwakannan shared that Jal Jeevan Mission has brought transformational changes in UT Ladakh by providing water at sub-zero temperature. He lauded the efforts of the JJM team in Ladakh headed by Commissioner Secretary, Ajeet Kumar Sahu for the successful implementation of JJM. Director, JJM- V, P Vishwakannan shared that IT-enabled systems help in monitoring various parameters such as quality, quantity and regular supply of water on a long-term and sustainable basis. 

Stressing the importance of documentation, he urged AIILSG and the stakeholders to document all the processes, procedures and best practices followed in the region and the training as well so that it could be used to showcase how successfully the JJM programme is implemented in such harsh climatic conditions.

The technical session focused on topics such as Issues and Challenges with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of Rural Water Supply Schemes, Framework for sensor-based measurement and monitoring, Solution Planning, Best practices and demonstration.