People of this north Kashmir town have accused the local Municipal Committee of openly dumping garbage in a water body which is main source of drinking water for many villages.
As per official record, more than 15 tons (Three trucks) ofgarbage is collected daily from main town Handwara. This garbage is then dumpedin Talree water body and a ground adjacent to Handwara market.
“With each passing day the water body is getting pollutedowing to the dumping of the garbage,” said a local.
According to the locals people living in villages adjacentto the town use the water from the river for drinking purpose and otherhousehold activities. They have become vulnerable to diseases,” said Tahira, alocal.
He said the stink emanating from the garbage dumped in theTalree ground has made life miserable for locals.
“We have become vulnerable to infectious diseases. Ourchildren are the worst sufferers,” said the local.
The heaps of garbage lying unattended were now attractingthe stray dogs in the area, posing threat to commuters.
A senior official of Handwara Municipal Committee said apice of land measuring 24 Kanals was identified for garbage dumping atBaghatpora.
“But it is yet to be handed over to the municipal committeefor using it as dumping site,” the official said.