Solid waste generation in Kashmir is a significant concern due to various reasons, including the region’s growing population and changing lifestyle patterns. According to a study conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board in 2019, the average per capita solid waste generation in the region was approximately 1500 tons of solid waste produced in the urban areas of the region.
The main sources of solid waste in Kashmir include households, commercial establishments, and construction activities. The waste generated includes organic waste, plastic, and other non-biodegradable materials. In rural areas of Kashmir, solid waste generation is lower than in urban areas due to their lower population density and traditional waste disposal practices such as using cow dung as fuel and composting organic wastes.
However, despite the relatively lower waste generation, improper disposal practices such as open dumping, and burning of waste still pose a significant threat to the environment and public health. The inadequate management of solid waste in Kashmir and overflowing landfills are also major concerns to the health and safety of both the people and the environment.
Improper disposal of waste in open areas including water bodies and the lack of proper waste management infrastructure have led to the contamination of soil, air, and water resources resulting in various health hazards. Moreover, the overflowing landfills are causing problems like air and water pollution, and the spread of diseases, and they have become a breeding ground for rodents and insects. The situation is worsened by the fact that the region’s population is growing and there is an increasing amount of solid waste being generated daily.
The Achan dumping site near Soura is already full and this has exacerbated the solid waste management issues in the region. The site was opened in 2008 and was supposed to have a lifespan of 20 years. However, due to the growing population and increasing waste generation, the site has reached its full capacity in just 12 years. This situation at Achan is an indication of the large solid waste management crisis in Kashmir. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable waste management solutions, which include the development of new landfill sites, waste-to-energy plants, composting facilities, and recycling centers. While considering land features, engineered structures must be constructed in consideration with environmental experts to avoid any contamination and harm to our environment and the health and safety of the public.
The development of a solid waste treatment facility in the mountainous region of Beerwah raises valid concerns about the potential risk of environmental pollution and harm to aquatic life. It is important to recognize that mountainous areas present unique challenges in waste management due to not only the risk of overflow of pollutants into nearby water bodies like river Sukhnag that flows very near the developing waste management facility, especially during snow and rain, but will also be potential for soil and groundwater contamination due to leachate and which will be very hard to remediate and reverse.
Mitigation
The issue of waste management in Kashmir demands immediate attention and action, we, the residents, must take concrete steps to reduce waste generation. One way to achieve this is through the adoption of waste reduction strategies in our daily life activities. Additionally, the government needs to take an interest in the sustainable development of effective waste management facilities in Kashmir to address the growing waste challenge.
To ensure environmental protection and health and safety of residents, waste management facilities should be located away from residential areas and fragile ecosystems including beautiful mountainous or hilly ecosystems and pristine water bodies. As such, waste management facilities should not be developed in these areas to prevent and avert negative significant impact on the environment.
By implementing these measures, we can effectively manage the waste generation in Kashmir and maintain the natural beauty of the region. It is our responsibility to act now and address this critical issue to safeguard the health and well-being of our environment and communities and preserve the beauty of Kashmir for generations to come.
(The writers can be reached at nafisaqayoom027@gmail.com and fizanazir@gmail.com)