Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Sep 30: The solid waste management project in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been stalled by the government, leading to garbage disposal along the circular road in the main town.
Locals informed that the Municipal Committee has been dumping collected garbage near the Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, which is causing distress in the area.
“The dumping creates numerous problems for residents and students,” they said, adding the foul smell extends for several meters.
Shoppers conducting business nearby are also affected by the unsightly and odorous conditions.
Owais Ahmad, a local social activist, told KNO that garbage is dumped regularly, which causes inconvenience to residents, students and passersby. “The situation has made life unbearable for those living close by; we can’t even open our doors and windows,” he added.
Sameer Ahmad Bhat, another resident, said that for the past two years, they have been promised a site shift, but no action has been taken. He said the garbage site has attracted stray dogs, posing further risks to safety.
“Despite available alternatives, authorities have chosen to dump garbage in this residential area, exacerbating our problems,” complained a nearby shopkeeper.
Locals and passersby claimed that despite repeatedly bringing this issue to the attention of the relevant authorities, little has changed. They are calling for immediate action to relocate the dumping site, as living under such conditions is untenable.
Residents said they have been hearing about plans to shift the site for over a year, but no progress has been made. They have urged Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom to expedite the relocation.
An official said that while the solid waste management project is complete in the Newa area and mechanical installations are underway, the road to the new site will be constructed soon.
“The garbage site on the circular road would be relocated soon,” he assured.
