Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, June 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has commenced construction of nearly 10 more waste treatment plants in different parts of the Valley under the flagship Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to scientifically dispose of waste and reduce the environmental impact of the mounting waste crisis in the region.
Last month, Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated nine solid waste management facilities. These facilities, which cost a total of Rs. 12.79 crore, have been completed in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Achabal, Beerwah, Chadoora, Dooru-Verinag, Ganderbal, Qazigund, Shopian, Sumbal, and Tangmarg/Kunzer. Each of these plants is capable of processing 40 tonnes of waste per day.
In continuation of this initiative, the administration has commenced construction on ten additional waste treatment plants in Awantipora, Kulgam, Pattan, Khrew, Tral Yaripora, Frisal, and Hygam. Each of these plants will have the capacity to process 40 tonnes of waste per day. “Around 10 to 12 treatment plants have already been established in various locations, and 10 to 12 more will be set up in the coming months. The Valley currently produces about 380 tonnes of garbage per day, and these treatment facilities will be sufficient to dispose of around 450 tonnes per day until 2030,” the Director of Rural and Urban Local Bodies in Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, told Excelsior.
She said each facility would feature a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for dry waste, including segregation of mixed waste, baling, and shredding facilities. “Compost pits will also be available for processing wet waste,” she said.
The Director said the Government has implemented multiple waste segregation techniques at the source in order to enhance efficient garbage management. In the valley, she said, municipalities have commenced door-to-door waste collection and have also installed dustbins specifically designed for waste segregation at their origin. “This process of segregation not only promotes effective recycling but also alleviates the strain on landfills, resulting in a positive environmental impact,” she said.
The establishment of these waste treatment plants is part of the Action Plan for the Establishment of Solid Waste Management in the 40 ULBs of the Kashmir Division. The Government approved this plan on October 17, 2022, allocating a budget of Rs. 239.74 crores to manage the total waste generation of 456 tonnes per day.
Officials from the Urban Local Bodies Department emphasized that the establishment of these waste treatment plants will address the long-standing need for efficient waste treatment in the Valley. “It was required because none of our urban local Governments had even one treatment facility, making it difficult to manage waste and negatively affecting the environment due to improper treatment,” an official said.
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