The solid waste management across urban and rural areas of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district continues to pose a threat to environment and quality of life as the authorities have been unable to identify the land for the disposal of the solid waste.
The authorities are temporarily using certain places for solid disposal which has evoked severe criticism of the locals as these waste disposal spots are found close to the water bodies.
According to official figures, the total quantity of solid waste produced per day across Baramulla district in seven urban local bodies and 26 CD blocks is around 0.981 metric tons.
The Baramulla district administration had earlier formulated an action plan for the solid waste management for urban and rural area of the district which has financial implication of more than Rs 77 crore.
However, there has been no headway in this direction so far.
As per the action plan for solid waste management, around 33 disposal plants worth Rs 29.80 crore were required.
The manpower of around 70 technical professionals and 166 non-technical professionals is also required to manage such disposal plants.
Similarly, for the waste segregation across the seven urban local bodies, around 100 Hoopers worth around Rs 4 crores were required. And, for the seven urban local bodies, the mechanical and manual mode of sweeping on modern lines had the financial implication of Rs 10 crore.
For the waste collection and its transportation across seven ULBs, around 20 carriers, 10 loaders and 50 collection machines besides 300 manpower of technical and non-technical persons at an cost of Rs 10.5 crores was also earmarked.
While for the disposal of bio-degradable waste across 7 ULBs and 26 CD blocks, 330 composing units at a financial assistance of Rs 33 crore were required. Similarly, for the bio-medical waste management for 427 health institutions, common bio-medical and disposal facility at a cost of Rs 20 crore were required.
The action plan was considered important for ensuring a good environment and quality life for the residents across Baramulla district.
The Baramulla district environment plan, envisaged by the administration, covers seven major themes which include solid waste management, water quality management, domestic waste management, industrial waste management, air quality management, mining activity management and noise pollution management.