BREAKING NEWS
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, established in 1985 and spanning 606 kanals (approximately 75 acres), serves as Srinagar’s primary waste disposal facility. Located at 34°05’24”N latitude and 74°47’24”E longitude, the site was initially developed as a scientific landfill by Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., but its operations have largely devolved into open, unscientific dumping. Approximately 400-550 metric tonnes of mixed waste are dumped daily, without adequate segregation or treatment, forming a massive heap that locals describe as a “mountain of death
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is grappling with a mounting crisis of municipal solid waste (MSW), driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The city generates approximately 550 tonnes of solid waste daily, a significant portion of which is disposed of at the Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, the only major landfill serving the city. The increase in municipal waste is a reflection of broader trends in developing countries, where rising urban populations and changing consumption patterns have overwhelmed existing waste management systems. Srinagar’s population, estimated at over 1.2 million, contributes to a per capita waste generation rate of around 400-700 grams per day, significantly higher than the national average in India. This surge is attributed to increased consumerism, lack of waste segregation at the source, and limited recycling or composting facilities.
The composition of Srinagar’s municipal waste is diverse, comprising organic waste (food scraps, yard waste), plastics, paper, textiles, and hazardous materials like batteries and medical waste. Despite the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016, which mandate segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal, much of Srinagar’s waste remains unsegregated, leading to inefficient handling and disposal. The absence of decentralized waste processing units and limited public awareness about waste segregation exacerbate the problem. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) faces challenges such as inadequate manpower, insufficient vehicles, and financial constraints, which hinder the implementation of modern waste management practices. As a result, the Achan Dumping Site has become a focal point of environmental and health concerns, with its capacity exceeded by over 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste accumulated over decades.
Dumping Patterns at Syedpora Achan
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, established in 1985 and spanning 606 kanals (approximately 75 acres), serves as Srinagar’s primary waste disposal facility. Located at 34°05’24”N latitude and 74°47’24”E longitude, the site was initially developed as a scientific landfill by Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., but its operations have largely devolved into open, unscientific dumping. Approximately 400-550 metric tonnes of mixed waste are dumped daily, without adequate segregation or treatment, forming a massive heap that locals describe as a “mountain of death.” The site lacks proper liners, leachate collection systems, and gas trapping mechanisms, which are critical for minimizing environmental impact.Dumping patterns at Achan are characterized by the absence of systematic waste management. Waste is collected from various parts of Srinagar and transported to the site in SMC vehicles, often without pre-sorting. Ragpickers scavenge recyclable materials like plastics and metals, but their efforts are informal and insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The site features some infrastructure, such as a weighbridge, a small composting pad, and a leachate treatment tank, but these are either underutilized or non-functional. For instance, the leachate treatment plant, intended to treat liquid waste from decomposing garbage, has been reported as inadequate, allowing untreated leachate to flow into nearby wetlands and water bodies like Anchar Lake, just 500 meters away. The site’s fencing and limited composting efforts do little to mitigate the foul odor, pest infestations, and environmental degradation. The lack of daily soil cover and waste compaction further exacerbates the release of hazardous gases and leachate, posing risks to both the environment and nearby communities.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures, driven by climate change, have intensified the environmental and health hazards associated with the Achan Dumping Site. Srinagar’s climate, typically temperate with significant rainfall, is experiencing warmer trends, with summer temperatures occasionally exceeding 30°C. These elevated temperatures accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, which constitutes a significant portion of the landfill’s contents. Anaerobic decomposition in the absence of proper waste management releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 25 times higher than carbon dioxide. Studies indicate that methane concentrations at unregulated dumpsites can range from 5.3% to 13.9%, far exceeding the atmospheric norm of 0.00017%. This contributes to both local air pollution and global climate change.
Higher temperatures also increase the volatility of landfill gases, leading to spontaneous combustion and subsurface fires. Such incidents release toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, which degrade ambient air quality. A 2018 World Health Organization survey ranked Srinagar as the tenth most polluted city globally in terms of air quality, a finding corroborated by a study from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the University of Kashmir, which noted pollution levels occasionally surpassing those in Delhi. The foul odor from the site, worsened by heat, permeates a 5-kilometer radius, affecting residents in areas like Saidapora, Eidgah, and Soura. Additionally, rising temperatures exacerbate leachate production by increasing evaporation and runoff during monsoons, further contaminating soil and groundwater. The combination of heat and moisture creates breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and stray dogs, amplifying health risks for nearby communities.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Responses
The National Green Tribunal has been a critical actor in addressing the mismanagement at the Achan Dumping Site, spurred by legal action from environmental activists . In 2007, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court ordered the SMC to close the site within 18 months and identify an alternative location, but this directive was not implemented. The case was subsequently escalated to the NGT, which has issued multiple orders to address the site’s environmental violations. In 2017, the NGT mandated the establishment of a 5-MW waste-to-energy plant within 18 months, threatening a fine of Rs 50,000 per day for delays. However, the project has not materialized, with successive SMC commissioners citing financial and logistical constraints.
In May 2024, the NGT formed a Joint Committee comprising members from the Central Pollution Control Board, the National Wetlands Committee, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, and the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar to inspect the site and propose remedial measures. The committee’s July 2024 report expressed “serious concern” over the mishandling of waste, highlighting the lack of waste segregation, untreated leachate flow into Anchar Lake, and an insufficient green buffer zone. The report also noted the site’s contribution to soil, water, and air pollution, as well as its impact on local health and ecology. In March 2025, the NGT directed the SMC commissioner to submit an undertaking to clear the 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste by March 2027 and operationalize a leachate treatment plant. The tribunal is also considering action against eight former SMC commissioners for non-compliance with environmental regulations, with a potential Rs 12 crore penalty and civil action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The NGT’s interventions underscore the urgency of addressing Achan’s environmental crisis, but implementation remains a challenge due to bureaucratic inertia and resource limitations.
Leachates & Impact on Groundwater
The Achan Dumping Site poses a severe threat to groundwater quality due to leachate infiltration. Leachate, a toxic liquid formed from decomposing waste, contains heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), organic compounds, and pathogens like fecal coliforms. The site’s proximity to Anchar Lake and the absence of an effective leachate collection system allow this liquid to seep into the shallow groundwater table, contaminating wells used by nearby communities for drinking and irrigation. Studies on similar landfills, such as those in Delhi, indicate that leachate can elevate nitrate levels, causing health risks like blue-eye syndrome in infants, and increase water hardness due to high magnesium concentrations. At Achan, soil samples near the site show high electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and heavy metal concentrations, indicating significant contamination that extends to groundwater.
The 2014 floods in Srinagar highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s groundwater to landfill seepage, as floodwaters spread contaminants across a wider area. Local residents report that approximately 8,000 kanals of agricultural land in Saidapora have become barren due to polluted water seeping into the soil and water table. This contamination not only affects drinking water safety but also disrupts the food chain, as crops irrigated with tainted water absorb toxic substances. The lack of regular groundwater monitoring and the absence of engineered barriers, such as impermeable liners, exacerbate the problem, making Achan a significant risk to Srinagar’s water security.
Impact on Ambient Air
The Achan Dumping Site significantly degrades ambient air quality through the emission of methane, VOCs, and particulate matter. Methane, produced by anaerobic decomposition, displaces oxygen in the air, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress among residents. The site’s foul odor, intensified by rising temperatures, is a persistent nuisance, detectable several kilometers away. Open dumping and occasional burning of waste release toxic pollutants, including dioxins and furans, which are carcinogenic and harmful to respiratory health. A 2018 study noted that Srinagar’s air pollution levels, partly driven by landfill emissions, occasionally rival those of Delhi, with particulate matter concentrations posing risks to vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The presence of stray dogs, flies, and birds at the site, attracted by exposed waste, further contributes to air quality issues by spreading pathogens and organic debris. The lack of daily soil cover and gas venting systems allows emissions to persist unchecked. Residents in nearby areas like Saidapora and Eidgah report respiratory allergies, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal issues linked to air pollution from the landfill. The NGT’s 2024 report emphasized the need for gas trapping technologies and anti-odor measures to mitigate these impacts, but progress remains slow.
Impact on Health
The health impacts of the Achan Dumping Site are profound, particularly for residents within a 5-kilometer radius. Dr. Nisar-ul-Hassan, a medical expert, notes that 40% of patients at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital with gastrointestinal issues, typhoid, skin diseases, and respiratory allergies hail from areas near Achan, such as Saidapora, Soura, and Anchar. Common symptoms include cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes, attributed to exposure to methane and other toxic gases. The site’s leachate contamination of groundwater increases the risk of waterborne diseases, while vectors like mosquitoes and stray dogs spread infections. Children are particularly vulnerable, with cases like seven-year-old Aatif, who suffered severe injuries from a dog bite near the landfill, highlighting the site’s indirect health impacts. Waste pickers and SMC workers at the site face heightened risks due to direct contact with hazardous waste, including medical waste like syringes and discarded medicines. Studies on similar landfills indicate a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, fungal infections, and viral diseases like hepatitis among waste handlers. The psychological toll on residents is also significant, with reports of depression and anxiety stemming from living near a “mountain of death” that disrupts their quality of life.
Impact on Ecology
The ecological consequences of the Achan Dumping Site are devastating, affecting soil, water bodies, and biodiversity. The site, once a picturesque area hosting migratory birds, has become an ecological disaster zone. Leachate seepage into Anchar Lake threatens its fragile ecosystem, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic life. Soil samples from the site show elevated pH (7.87-8.53), organic carbon, and heavy metal concentrations, rendering nearby agricultural land barren and reducing vegetation diversity. Approximately 8,000 kanals of farmland in Saidapora have been affected, disrupting local food production and livelihoods.The site’s impact on biodiversity is evident in the proliferation of stray dogs and scavenger birds, which disrupt the natural balance and pose risks to human safety. The absence of a robust green buffer zone, despite recent efforts to plant 3,200 trees, fails to mitigate the spread of pollutants. Wetlands and water bodies connected to the Jhelum River are at risk of contamination, threatening fish populations and migratory bird habitats. The ecological degradation at Achan underscores the need for urgent remediation to restore the region’s environmental health.
Bottom line
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site encapsulates the broader challenges of municipal waste management in Srinagar, driven by increasing waste volumes, unscientific dumping practices, and inadequate infrastructure. Rising temperatures exacerbate the site’s environmental and health impacts, while the NGT’s interventions highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. The contamination of groundwater, degradation of air quality, health risks, and ecological damage underscore the need for a comprehensive waste management strategy. Solutions include operationalizing the waste-to-energy plant, enhancing leachate treatment, enforcing waste segregation, and promoting decentralized composting. By integrating scientific disposal methods, community awareness, and sustainable practices, Srinagar can mitigate the crisis at Achan and reclaim its status as a city of environmental, cultural splendor and safeguard its image as a tourist city.
Email:------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, established in 1985 and spanning 606 kanals (approximately 75 acres), serves as Srinagar’s primary waste disposal facility. Located at 34°05’24”N latitude and 74°47’24”E longitude, the site was initially developed as a scientific landfill by Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., but its operations have largely devolved into open, unscientific dumping. Approximately 400-550 metric tonnes of mixed waste are dumped daily, without adequate segregation or treatment, forming a massive heap that locals describe as a “mountain of death
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is grappling with a mounting crisis of municipal solid waste (MSW), driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The city generates approximately 550 tonnes of solid waste daily, a significant portion of which is disposed of at the Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, the only major landfill serving the city. The increase in municipal waste is a reflection of broader trends in developing countries, where rising urban populations and changing consumption patterns have overwhelmed existing waste management systems. Srinagar’s population, estimated at over 1.2 million, contributes to a per capita waste generation rate of around 400-700 grams per day, significantly higher than the national average in India. This surge is attributed to increased consumerism, lack of waste segregation at the source, and limited recycling or composting facilities.
The composition of Srinagar’s municipal waste is diverse, comprising organic waste (food scraps, yard waste), plastics, paper, textiles, and hazardous materials like batteries and medical waste. Despite the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016, which mandate segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal, much of Srinagar’s waste remains unsegregated, leading to inefficient handling and disposal. The absence of decentralized waste processing units and limited public awareness about waste segregation exacerbate the problem. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) faces challenges such as inadequate manpower, insufficient vehicles, and financial constraints, which hinder the implementation of modern waste management practices. As a result, the Achan Dumping Site has become a focal point of environmental and health concerns, with its capacity exceeded by over 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste accumulated over decades.
Dumping Patterns at Syedpora Achan
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site, established in 1985 and spanning 606 kanals (approximately 75 acres), serves as Srinagar’s primary waste disposal facility. Located at 34°05’24”N latitude and 74°47’24”E longitude, the site was initially developed as a scientific landfill by Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., but its operations have largely devolved into open, unscientific dumping. Approximately 400-550 metric tonnes of mixed waste are dumped daily, without adequate segregation or treatment, forming a massive heap that locals describe as a “mountain of death.” The site lacks proper liners, leachate collection systems, and gas trapping mechanisms, which are critical for minimizing environmental impact.Dumping patterns at Achan are characterized by the absence of systematic waste management. Waste is collected from various parts of Srinagar and transported to the site in SMC vehicles, often without pre-sorting. Ragpickers scavenge recyclable materials like plastics and metals, but their efforts are informal and insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The site features some infrastructure, such as a weighbridge, a small composting pad, and a leachate treatment tank, but these are either underutilized or non-functional. For instance, the leachate treatment plant, intended to treat liquid waste from decomposing garbage, has been reported as inadequate, allowing untreated leachate to flow into nearby wetlands and water bodies like Anchar Lake, just 500 meters away. The site’s fencing and limited composting efforts do little to mitigate the foul odor, pest infestations, and environmental degradation. The lack of daily soil cover and waste compaction further exacerbates the release of hazardous gases and leachate, posing risks to both the environment and nearby communities.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures, driven by climate change, have intensified the environmental and health hazards associated with the Achan Dumping Site. Srinagar’s climate, typically temperate with significant rainfall, is experiencing warmer trends, with summer temperatures occasionally exceeding 30°C. These elevated temperatures accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, which constitutes a significant portion of the landfill’s contents. Anaerobic decomposition in the absence of proper waste management releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 25 times higher than carbon dioxide. Studies indicate that methane concentrations at unregulated dumpsites can range from 5.3% to 13.9%, far exceeding the atmospheric norm of 0.00017%. This contributes to both local air pollution and global climate change.
Higher temperatures also increase the volatility of landfill gases, leading to spontaneous combustion and subsurface fires. Such incidents release toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, which degrade ambient air quality. A 2018 World Health Organization survey ranked Srinagar as the tenth most polluted city globally in terms of air quality, a finding corroborated by a study from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the University of Kashmir, which noted pollution levels occasionally surpassing those in Delhi. The foul odor from the site, worsened by heat, permeates a 5-kilometer radius, affecting residents in areas like Saidapora, Eidgah, and Soura. Additionally, rising temperatures exacerbate leachate production by increasing evaporation and runoff during monsoons, further contaminating soil and groundwater. The combination of heat and moisture creates breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and stray dogs, amplifying health risks for nearby communities.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Responses
The National Green Tribunal has been a critical actor in addressing the mismanagement at the Achan Dumping Site, spurred by legal action from environmental activists . In 2007, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court ordered the SMC to close the site within 18 months and identify an alternative location, but this directive was not implemented. The case was subsequently escalated to the NGT, which has issued multiple orders to address the site’s environmental violations. In 2017, the NGT mandated the establishment of a 5-MW waste-to-energy plant within 18 months, threatening a fine of Rs 50,000 per day for delays. However, the project has not materialized, with successive SMC commissioners citing financial and logistical constraints.
In May 2024, the NGT formed a Joint Committee comprising members from the Central Pollution Control Board, the National Wetlands Committee, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, and the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar to inspect the site and propose remedial measures. The committee’s July 2024 report expressed “serious concern” over the mishandling of waste, highlighting the lack of waste segregation, untreated leachate flow into Anchar Lake, and an insufficient green buffer zone. The report also noted the site’s contribution to soil, water, and air pollution, as well as its impact on local health and ecology. In March 2025, the NGT directed the SMC commissioner to submit an undertaking to clear the 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste by March 2027 and operationalize a leachate treatment plant. The tribunal is also considering action against eight former SMC commissioners for non-compliance with environmental regulations, with a potential Rs 12 crore penalty and civil action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The NGT’s interventions underscore the urgency of addressing Achan’s environmental crisis, but implementation remains a challenge due to bureaucratic inertia and resource limitations.
Leachates & Impact on Groundwater
The Achan Dumping Site poses a severe threat to groundwater quality due to leachate infiltration. Leachate, a toxic liquid formed from decomposing waste, contains heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), organic compounds, and pathogens like fecal coliforms. The site’s proximity to Anchar Lake and the absence of an effective leachate collection system allow this liquid to seep into the shallow groundwater table, contaminating wells used by nearby communities for drinking and irrigation. Studies on similar landfills, such as those in Delhi, indicate that leachate can elevate nitrate levels, causing health risks like blue-eye syndrome in infants, and increase water hardness due to high magnesium concentrations. At Achan, soil samples near the site show high electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and heavy metal concentrations, indicating significant contamination that extends to groundwater.
The 2014 floods in Srinagar highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s groundwater to landfill seepage, as floodwaters spread contaminants across a wider area. Local residents report that approximately 8,000 kanals of agricultural land in Saidapora have become barren due to polluted water seeping into the soil and water table. This contamination not only affects drinking water safety but also disrupts the food chain, as crops irrigated with tainted water absorb toxic substances. The lack of regular groundwater monitoring and the absence of engineered barriers, such as impermeable liners, exacerbate the problem, making Achan a significant risk to Srinagar’s water security.
Impact on Ambient Air
The Achan Dumping Site significantly degrades ambient air quality through the emission of methane, VOCs, and particulate matter. Methane, produced by anaerobic decomposition, displaces oxygen in the air, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress among residents. The site’s foul odor, intensified by rising temperatures, is a persistent nuisance, detectable several kilometers away. Open dumping and occasional burning of waste release toxic pollutants, including dioxins and furans, which are carcinogenic and harmful to respiratory health. A 2018 study noted that Srinagar’s air pollution levels, partly driven by landfill emissions, occasionally rival those of Delhi, with particulate matter concentrations posing risks to vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The presence of stray dogs, flies, and birds at the site, attracted by exposed waste, further contributes to air quality issues by spreading pathogens and organic debris. The lack of daily soil cover and gas venting systems allows emissions to persist unchecked. Residents in nearby areas like Saidapora and Eidgah report respiratory allergies, skin irritations, and gastrointestinal issues linked to air pollution from the landfill. The NGT’s 2024 report emphasized the need for gas trapping technologies and anti-odor measures to mitigate these impacts, but progress remains slow.
Impact on Health
The health impacts of the Achan Dumping Site are profound, particularly for residents within a 5-kilometer radius. Dr. Nisar-ul-Hassan, a medical expert, notes that 40% of patients at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital with gastrointestinal issues, typhoid, skin diseases, and respiratory allergies hail from areas near Achan, such as Saidapora, Soura, and Anchar. Common symptoms include cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes, attributed to exposure to methane and other toxic gases. The site’s leachate contamination of groundwater increases the risk of waterborne diseases, while vectors like mosquitoes and stray dogs spread infections. Children are particularly vulnerable, with cases like seven-year-old Aatif, who suffered severe injuries from a dog bite near the landfill, highlighting the site’s indirect health impacts. Waste pickers and SMC workers at the site face heightened risks due to direct contact with hazardous waste, including medical waste like syringes and discarded medicines. Studies on similar landfills indicate a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, fungal infections, and viral diseases like hepatitis among waste handlers. The psychological toll on residents is also significant, with reports of depression and anxiety stemming from living near a “mountain of death” that disrupts their quality of life.
Impact on Ecology
The ecological consequences of the Achan Dumping Site are devastating, affecting soil, water bodies, and biodiversity. The site, once a picturesque area hosting migratory birds, has become an ecological disaster zone. Leachate seepage into Anchar Lake threatens its fragile ecosystem, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic life. Soil samples from the site show elevated pH (7.87-8.53), organic carbon, and heavy metal concentrations, rendering nearby agricultural land barren and reducing vegetation diversity. Approximately 8,000 kanals of farmland in Saidapora have been affected, disrupting local food production and livelihoods.The site’s impact on biodiversity is evident in the proliferation of stray dogs and scavenger birds, which disrupt the natural balance and pose risks to human safety. The absence of a robust green buffer zone, despite recent efforts to plant 3,200 trees, fails to mitigate the spread of pollutants. Wetlands and water bodies connected to the Jhelum River are at risk of contamination, threatening fish populations and migratory bird habitats. The ecological degradation at Achan underscores the need for urgent remediation to restore the region’s environmental health.
Bottom line
The Syedpora Achan Dumping Site encapsulates the broader challenges of municipal waste management in Srinagar, driven by increasing waste volumes, unscientific dumping practices, and inadequate infrastructure. Rising temperatures exacerbate the site’s environmental and health impacts, while the NGT’s interventions highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. The contamination of groundwater, degradation of air quality, health risks, and ecological damage underscore the need for a comprehensive waste management strategy. Solutions include operationalizing the waste-to-energy plant, enhancing leachate treatment, enforcing waste segregation, and promoting decentralized composting. By integrating scientific disposal methods, community awareness, and sustainable practices, Srinagar can mitigate the crisis at Achan and reclaim its status as a city of environmental, cultural splendor and safeguard its image as a tourist city.
Email:------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
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