Waris Fayaz
Handwara, Oct 4: Authorities in the Langate area of north Kashmir’s Handwara have warned of strict action against those involved in illegal open dumping. The directive comes in response to strong protests from local residents who urged the authorities to address the issue promptly.
The locals of the Guloora village in Langate said that the area is marred by an open garbage dumping site.
They said the indiscriminate dumping, taking place in close proximity to residential homes and a mosque, has become a severe nuisance and a health hazard for the community.
Residents expressed their distress, saying the unsightly situation is causing embarrassment, particularly impacting marital relationships in the village.
Despite our efforts to draw the attention of authorities, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears, Mohammad Hamza Malik, a concerned local, said.
He said the dumping ground not only attracts stray dogs in search of food but also poses a significant threat to the safety of children in the area.
“The foul odour emanating from the site pervades nearby homes, causing frequent health issues for the residents,” he said, adding that the people from adjacent areas exacerbate the problem by dumping garbage at the site during the night, often leading to confrontations when challenged by the locals.
Block Development Officer (BDO) Langate, Abdul Rashid assured that immediate steps will be taken to clear all garbage from the roadsides within Langate. He said that stringent action will be taken against those caught dumping waste illegally.
“It is the collective responsibility of citizens to maintain a garbage-free environment,” the BDO stressed. He urged people to refrain from harmful environmental practices and requested them not to dispose of garbage openly.
The officer also emphasised the implementation of proper mechanisms to ensure garbage is collected at residents’ doorsteps.
