Bandipora, July 16: Prompted by massive public outcry over unabated dumping of garbage around Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Wullar, authorities here on Monday launched a drive to dispose off the waste. 
 People here have been demanding removal of garbage which was dumped at Nusoo village near the Wullar lake for past many years. Officials said in view of massive public outcry, the Government recently sent a team of experts led by Mubarak Gul, Advisor to Chief Minster to the spot and it ordered immediate disposal of the garbage.
 After years of inordinate delay the Municipal Committee Bandipora (MCB) finally kick-started the cleanliness drive. Officials said on the first day of the drive, garbage was cleared from nearly 800 meters. They said the MCB plans to clear 1.5 km stretch along Wullar banks.  
 The Executive Officer MCB, Abdul Rashid Shah, said the cleanliness drive was going in full swing. 
 “After disposal of accumulated garbage, we will lay a fresh soil cover on the spot,” Shah said.
 However, he acknowledged that the cleanliness drive was launched due to pressure from public and media.
 Shah said a mega project for scientifically disposing off the garbage has been submitted to the government for approval.
 “The ambitions project is estimated at rupees seven crores. We plan to install highly sensitive incinerator to dispose off garbage in an eco-friendly way. For the purpose five kanals of land have been identified in town outskirts at Zalwan,” Shah said.
 He said the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) would also provide funds for the machinery under the community development programme. “Various agencies are likely to fund the cost of the MCB’s solid waste management initiative. After completion of the project, we will be able to dispose off garbage in an environment-friendly way,” he said.
 Over the years, the MCB used to dump about 30 tons of garbage on an average daily near the Wullar lake.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST