THIS is an open letter to the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation. We live in Raj Bagh, supposedly the most costly, prestigious and posh colony in Srinagar. There are also a  few hundred hotels and guesthouses in the area, which means that a large number of tourists also visit Rajbagh.
 Like in other areas of Srinagar, Rajbagh also used to have large dustbins that would be emptied by the SMC, though they would be overflowing and spilling over to the road.  But all the same, it served some purpose. It is not understood why the SMC has done away with these dustbins. 
 Then SMC introduced paid mini trucks to ferry the garbage that too has been done away with.
 The residents are now downloading their garbage  at the nearest open spaces, neighbours’ doors and  side drains.. You have to believe that the women of the area hand over the trash bags to their men folk who while on way to their workplace in the morning throw these bags on the roads.  We have nearly three such open dumps  in the lane that houses Income tax office and IGNOU. These garbage dumps are very stinky, particularly in these disturbed times when SMC is not able to clean it regularly.  It is difficult to walk and even live near such stinky dumps. I am sure the SMC will do whatever it does. I am only seeking a remedy that can be supported by the SMC. One of the alternatives is to advise and suggest the residents not to dump garbage in this fashion. We did this and failed as the best of the citizens such as doctors, businessmen and others alike find it proper to do what they do, which is an accepted way of life in Srinagar. 
 Next, can we register a complaint with the SMC so that residents are reprimanded not to do so under the force of law?
 Third, we want to know if there is a legal remedy so that the most erring residents are dragged to a Court of law. Last, can a resident who is suffering the most lodge a complaint in the police station on the basis of a resident dumping filth at your door?  Can a resident, who is a rogue and supports such activity in a Mohalla be detained? What is law on this issue?
 Would the SMC Commissioner care to reply? 

Dr A Kawosa
President Rajbagh Residents Association
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST