Srinagar, Jan 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to allocate a portion of panchayat grants for the operation and maintenance of solid waste management systems, aiming to improve sanitation in rural areas across the Union Territory. The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is expected to announce the proposal in the upcoming budget session starting February 2.

Since the rollout of solid waste management, the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Rural Sanitation Department (RSD) have invested heavily in infrastructure across 4,291 panchayats in 287 blocks. This includes 113 Plastic Waste Management Units (32 functional), 1,453 vehicles for waste transport, and 2,800 segregation sheds costing Rs 7 lakh each. However, inconsistent funding has hindered effective operation.
Under the new plan, each panchayat will allocate 10% of its annual Rs 23 lakh grant toward waste collection, disposal, staffing, and logistics. Officials emphasized that continuous funding is essential to maintain a functional sanitation system in villages, complementing urban municipal efforts.
J&K generates an estimated 1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, with Srinagar and Jammu cities producing 525 and 374 tonnes respectively. Only 36% of total waste is treated; the remainder is dumped in open sites or littered, posing environmental and public health risks.
Social activists have welcomed the move, noting that structured funding will support scientific treatment, proper disposal, and cleaner rural communities in the Union Territory.