Prayagraj DM Orders Action Against Delays in Toilet Construction, Reviews District Cleanliness Drive
Prayagraj: District Magistrate Mayur Kumar Verma has directed officials to withhold the salaries of all 23 Assistant Development Officers (Panchayat) for failing to ensure timely completion of toilet construction works.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the District Sanitation Committee held on Wednesday.
While reviewing the progress of individual household toilet projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the District Magistrate expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work in several gram panchayats.
He instructed officials to immediately address pending issues related to the release of the first and second instalments to beneficiaries and ensure swift disposal of online applications that have remained unresolved for an extended period.
The District Magistrate also ordered that the salaries of all 23 Assistant Development Officers (Panchayat) be withheld until the identified shortcomings are rectified.
He directed district-level authorities to closely monitor the progress and ensure accountability at every stage of implementation.
Strict Instructions Issued at District Sanitation Committee Meeting
During the review meeting, the District Magistrate instructed officials to intensify efforts under the Meri Talab, Meri Zimmedari campaign.
He emphasised the need to remove water hyacinth and plastic waste from ponds and maintain them in a clean and environmentally sustainable condition.
To tackle plastic pollution, he directed Block Development Officers and Assistant Development Officers (Panchayat) to actively conduct special plastic-free campaigns in their respective areas. The objective, he said, is to raise public awareness and promote responsible waste management practices.
Filter Chambers to Prevent Wastewater from Polluting Ponds
The District Magistrate also focused on measures to improve the health and cleanliness of ponds.
He instructed officials to ensure that household wastewater and drainage from settlements do not flow directly into ponds. For this purpose, suitable filter chambers should be developed using modern technology.
He further directed that the construction of these filter chambers be completed within the stipulated timeframe before the onset of the monsoon season.
The initiative is expected to help preserve water bodies, improve sanitation standards, and support long-term environmental conservation efforts across the district.
