ANANTNAG: Nearly ten years after land was identified for a scientific Solid Waste Management (SWM) facility in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the project remains incomplete, forcing municipal waste to pile up and raising concerns about environmental degradation, public health and sanitation.
The proposed facility, planned at Urnhall-Batengo on around 70 to 80 kanals of land, was conceived in 2014 to scientifically process municipal waste generated by Anantnag and adjoining urban areas. The project, estimated to cost around ₹4 crore, was designed to handle approximately 115 metric tonnes of waste daily.
However, despite the passage of almost a decade, the facility has yet to become operational.
Residents say the delay has contributed to indiscriminate dumping of garbage at multiple locations, including roadsides, open spaces and areas close to water bodies.
The issue has assumed significance as Anantnag, often referred to as the “Land of Springs,” is home to several important streams and water resources, including the Sandran, Brengi, Arpath and Lidder.
Locals fear that unmanaged waste is increasingly finding its way into watercourses, particularly during rainfall when garbage is washed downstream.
“The garbage ultimately reaches streams and springs. Water sources that once remained pristine are showing signs of pollution,” said local resident Sajad Ahmad Wani.
Apart from environmental concerns, residents say the growing volume of municipal waste has become a major sanitation challenge and poses risks to public health.
Many have questioned why a project announced years ago remains stuck despite repeated assurances from authorities.
When contacted, Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Anantnag, Mirza Aadil Beigh, acknowledged the delay and said pending No Objection Certificates (NOCs) had slowed progress.
“The project has been delayed due to certain pending NOCs. Once the required clearances are obtained, work will be initiated immediately,” he said.
Beigh added that some machinery required for the facility has already been procured and expressed hope that work would begin once approvals are secured.
People, meanwhile, have urged the government to expedite the clearance process and complete the long-awaited project, arguing that a scientific waste management system is essential to protect Anantnag’s environment, water resources and public health. [KNT]
