BREAKING NEWS
The Achan dumping site, located in Syedpora, approximately five kilometers from Srinagar’s city center, Lal Chowk, was established in 1985 on what was once a thriving wetland. Spanning over 600 kanals (approximately 75 acres), the site was initially chosen as a temporary solution for waste disposal, with little consideration for its long-term environmental consequences
Srinagar, often celebrated as the "Venice of the East" and a jewel of Kashmir, is a city of breathtaking beauty, with its serene lakes, majestic mountains, and vibrant cultural heritage. It is one of the cities taken up for urban placemaking under smart city mission project and is pompously claimed to be one of the best practice city of SCM. However, beneath this picturesque façade and dystopian planning and development interventions lies a growing environmental and public health crisis, marring the city’s sensory landscape that is the Syedpora Achan dumping site. This landfill, the sole garbage disposal site for Srinagar’s about 2.0 million residents, has transformed from a once-pristine wetland into a sprawling, unscientific waste mountain that generates a pervasive and unbearable stench. This smellscape, defined by the foul odors emanating from Achan, not only disrupts the sensory experience of the city but also poses severe health, environmental, and social challenges for the communities living in its vicinity. Looking into potential consequences Achan dumping site, it may shape Srinagar’s olfactory identity and the urgent need for scientific waste management in future. Thus, apart from being a much celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and serene lakes, Srinagar stands at a crossroads of environmental and social challenges that threaten to mar its picturesque landscape and diminish its reputation as a model of urban excellence. While the city’s image as a jewel of Kashmir has been tried to be reinforced through ambitious initiatives like the Smart City Mission (SCM), underlying issues ,however, threaten to erode its ecological integrity and public health. Central to this crisis is the waste management at Achan duming site, which has transformed from a modest waste disposal point into a sprawling environmental hazard, emitting foul odors that have come to define the city’s olfactory identity and pose grave risks to its residents and ecosystems
Achan Dumping Site
The Achan dumping site, located in Syedpora, approximately five kilometers from Srinagar’s city center, Lal Chowk, was established in 1985 on what was once a thriving wetland. Spanning over 600 kanals (approximately 75 acres), the site was initially chosen as a temporary solution for waste disposal, with little consideration for its long-term environmental consequences. At the time, Srinagar’s population was significantly smaller, and the daily waste output was manageable. However, rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns have overwhelmed the site, which now receives an estimated 400 to 600 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily. This waste, comprising domestic, industrial, and biomedical refuse, is dumped without proper segregation or treatment, in direct violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) and other environmental regulations.
The decision to convert a wetland into a landfill was shortsighted, as wetlands are ecologically sensitive areas critical for biodiversity and water management. Until 1983, Achan was a haven for migratory birds, but under the orders of then-Governor Jagmohan Malhotra, the area was filled to create a dumping ground. This transformation not only destroyed a vital ecosystem but also set the stage for the environmental degradation that now plagues the region. The proximity of the site to residential areas, agricultural lands, and water bodies like Anchar Lake and the Jhelum River has exacerbated its impact, making it a focal point of public outrage and environmental activism.
The Smellscape of Achan: A Sensory and Health Hazard
The most immediate and visceral impact of the Achan dumping site is its contribution to Srinagar’s smellscape. The unscientific disposal of mixed waste—organic, inorganic, plastic, and biomedical—produces a potent cocktail of foul odors, including methane gas and toxic leachate, that permeates the air for kilometers. Residents of nearby areas, such as Soura, Nowshahra, Hawal, and Eidgah, describe the stench as unbearable, particularly during warmer months when rising temperatures intensify the smell. This olfactory assault is not merely an inconvenience but a violation of the fundamental human right to clean air, as noted by environmental activists and local residents.
The health implications of this smellscape are profound. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and local experts have highlighted the release of hazardous gases, such as methane, and the seepage of untreated leachate into groundwater and nearby water bodies. Studies conducted at Achan, Valley Planning Design Associate and the Department of Geography and Regional Development at the University of Kashmir, reveal that the landfill’s leachate contains high levels of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and other contaminants that degrade soil quality and contaminate groundwater. Residents report a range of ailments, including respiratory issues, throat infections, and even serious conditions like breast cancer, attributed to prolonged exposure to the site’s toxic emissions. The presence of stray dogs, attracted by the garbage, has also led to attacks on children, adding a layer of physical danger to the environmental hazard.
The social impact is equally devastating. The 275 households living near Achan, many of whom are daily wagers, face a diminished quality of life. The foul smell and health risks have rendered their lands barren, devalued their properties, and disrupted their daily routines. Protests, numbering over 500 in the past decade, have been staged by residents demanding the site’s closure or modernization, yet these efforts have been met with governmental inaction and, at times, suppression by police forces. The Achan crisis is a stark example of environmental injustice, where marginalized communities bear the brunt of poor urban planning and governance.
Environmental Degradation and Systemic Failures
The environmental consequences of the Achan dumping site extend beyond its immediate vicinity. The landfill’s proximity to Anchar Lake and a canal that connects to the iconic Dal Lake poses a significant threat to Srinagar’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. Untreated leachate flows into these water bodies, altering their physicochemical properties and endangering aquatic life. The site’s lack of proper insulation or liners, as noted in a study published in the International Journal of Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, allows pollutants to seep into the groundwater, posing a long-term risk to the city’s water supply.
Systemic failures have perpetuated this crisis. Despite court orders, including a 2007 Jammu & Kashmir High Court directive to close the site within 18 months and a 2017 NGT order to establish a waste-to-energy plant, no significant progress has been made. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), responsible for waste management, has been criticized for its inability to implement source segregation, a critical component of modern waste management. The absence of recycling facilities and the continued reliance on open dumping violate the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), which mandate scientific disposal and processing. Financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and allegations of corruption within the SMC have further stalled efforts to modernize the site or identify an alternative landfill, a challenge compounded by Srinagar’s limited availability of wasteland due to its water-rich geography.
Proposed Solutions and the Path Forward
Addressing the Achan crisis requires a multifaceted approach that combines scientific waste management, community engagement, and policy reform. First, the SMC must prioritize source segregation, educating residents on separating wet and dry waste to facilitate recycling and composting. The introduction of dual-bin systems in households, as mandated by the Solid Waste Management Rules, could significantly reduce the volume of mixed waste reaching Achan. Second, investment in modern waste processing facilities, such as composting plants and waste-to-energy units, is critical. The proposed waste-to-energy plant, approved by the Jammu & Kashmir cabinet in 2017, could generate 5 megawatts of electricity from 5 metric tons of waste daily, but its implementation remains stalled. Reviving this project under a public-private partnership model could alleviate the landfill’s burden.
Third, bio-mining, as explored by the SMC in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, offers a promising solution. Bio-mining can help reclaim land by processing legacy waste, reducing the landfill’s footprint and mitigating its environmental impact. Additionally, the use of anti-odor chemicals and leachate treatment systems, as suggested by the NGT’s expert committee in 2024, could provide immediate relief to residents. Finally, the government must explore alternative landfill sites, despite the challenges posed by Srinagar’s geography, and integrate waste management into the Srinagar Smart City Project to align with sustainable urban development goals.
Community involvement is equally vital. Engaging residents through awareness campaigns and participatory decision-making can foster a culture of responsible waste disposal. The protests and petitions, such as those led by environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, demonstrate the community’s willingness to advocate for change. Supporting these efforts with transparent governance and accountability can bridge the trust gap between residents and authorities.
Bottom line
The Syedpora Achan dumping site is more than a landfill; it is a symbol of Srinagar’s struggle with modernization and environmental stewardship. Its stench has redefined the city’s smellscape, replacing the fragrance of its gardens and lakes with the odor of neglect and mismanagement. The crisis at Achan is a call to action for the government, the SMC, and the residents of Srinagar to work collaboratively toward a sustainable future. By embracing scientific waste management, enforcing environmental regulations, and prioritizing the well-being of affected communities, Srinagar can reclaim its identity as a paradise on Earth, where clean air and a healthy environment are accessible to all. The path forward is challenging but essential, not only for the residents of Achan but for the soul of Srinagar itself. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive, science-based approach—one that combines technological innovation, policy reform, community participation, and political will. Only through such concerted efforts can Srinagar hope to reclaim its identity as a paradise on Earth, where natural beauty and environmental health coexist harmoniously. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the urgency of transforming Srinagar’s smellscape and safeguarding its future makes it an imperative for all stakeholders—government, citizens, and environmental advocates alike—to work collaboratively. If not addressed promptly and effectively, the crisis at Achan risks turning Srinagar’s landscape into a desolate reminder of environmental neglect, forever tarnishing its reputation and endangering the very essence of what makes it a unique and cherished city.
Email:----------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
The Achan dumping site, located in Syedpora, approximately five kilometers from Srinagar’s city center, Lal Chowk, was established in 1985 on what was once a thriving wetland. Spanning over 600 kanals (approximately 75 acres), the site was initially chosen as a temporary solution for waste disposal, with little consideration for its long-term environmental consequences
Srinagar, often celebrated as the "Venice of the East" and a jewel of Kashmir, is a city of breathtaking beauty, with its serene lakes, majestic mountains, and vibrant cultural heritage. It is one of the cities taken up for urban placemaking under smart city mission project and is pompously claimed to be one of the best practice city of SCM. However, beneath this picturesque façade and dystopian planning and development interventions lies a growing environmental and public health crisis, marring the city’s sensory landscape that is the Syedpora Achan dumping site. This landfill, the sole garbage disposal site for Srinagar’s about 2.0 million residents, has transformed from a once-pristine wetland into a sprawling, unscientific waste mountain that generates a pervasive and unbearable stench. This smellscape, defined by the foul odors emanating from Achan, not only disrupts the sensory experience of the city but also poses severe health, environmental, and social challenges for the communities living in its vicinity. Looking into potential consequences Achan dumping site, it may shape Srinagar’s olfactory identity and the urgent need for scientific waste management in future. Thus, apart from being a much celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and serene lakes, Srinagar stands at a crossroads of environmental and social challenges that threaten to mar its picturesque landscape and diminish its reputation as a model of urban excellence. While the city’s image as a jewel of Kashmir has been tried to be reinforced through ambitious initiatives like the Smart City Mission (SCM), underlying issues ,however, threaten to erode its ecological integrity and public health. Central to this crisis is the waste management at Achan duming site, which has transformed from a modest waste disposal point into a sprawling environmental hazard, emitting foul odors that have come to define the city’s olfactory identity and pose grave risks to its residents and ecosystems
Achan Dumping Site
The Achan dumping site, located in Syedpora, approximately five kilometers from Srinagar’s city center, Lal Chowk, was established in 1985 on what was once a thriving wetland. Spanning over 600 kanals (approximately 75 acres), the site was initially chosen as a temporary solution for waste disposal, with little consideration for its long-term environmental consequences. At the time, Srinagar’s population was significantly smaller, and the daily waste output was manageable. However, rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns have overwhelmed the site, which now receives an estimated 400 to 600 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily. This waste, comprising domestic, industrial, and biomedical refuse, is dumped without proper segregation or treatment, in direct violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) and other environmental regulations.
The decision to convert a wetland into a landfill was shortsighted, as wetlands are ecologically sensitive areas critical for biodiversity and water management. Until 1983, Achan was a haven for migratory birds, but under the orders of then-Governor Jagmohan Malhotra, the area was filled to create a dumping ground. This transformation not only destroyed a vital ecosystem but also set the stage for the environmental degradation that now plagues the region. The proximity of the site to residential areas, agricultural lands, and water bodies like Anchar Lake and the Jhelum River has exacerbated its impact, making it a focal point of public outrage and environmental activism.
The Smellscape of Achan: A Sensory and Health Hazard
The most immediate and visceral impact of the Achan dumping site is its contribution to Srinagar’s smellscape. The unscientific disposal of mixed waste—organic, inorganic, plastic, and biomedical—produces a potent cocktail of foul odors, including methane gas and toxic leachate, that permeates the air for kilometers. Residents of nearby areas, such as Soura, Nowshahra, Hawal, and Eidgah, describe the stench as unbearable, particularly during warmer months when rising temperatures intensify the smell. This olfactory assault is not merely an inconvenience but a violation of the fundamental human right to clean air, as noted by environmental activists and local residents.
The health implications of this smellscape are profound. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and local experts have highlighted the release of hazardous gases, such as methane, and the seepage of untreated leachate into groundwater and nearby water bodies. Studies conducted at Achan, Valley Planning Design Associate and the Department of Geography and Regional Development at the University of Kashmir, reveal that the landfill’s leachate contains high levels of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and other contaminants that degrade soil quality and contaminate groundwater. Residents report a range of ailments, including respiratory issues, throat infections, and even serious conditions like breast cancer, attributed to prolonged exposure to the site’s toxic emissions. The presence of stray dogs, attracted by the garbage, has also led to attacks on children, adding a layer of physical danger to the environmental hazard.
The social impact is equally devastating. The 275 households living near Achan, many of whom are daily wagers, face a diminished quality of life. The foul smell and health risks have rendered their lands barren, devalued their properties, and disrupted their daily routines. Protests, numbering over 500 in the past decade, have been staged by residents demanding the site’s closure or modernization, yet these efforts have been met with governmental inaction and, at times, suppression by police forces. The Achan crisis is a stark example of environmental injustice, where marginalized communities bear the brunt of poor urban planning and governance.
Environmental Degradation and Systemic Failures
The environmental consequences of the Achan dumping site extend beyond its immediate vicinity. The landfill’s proximity to Anchar Lake and a canal that connects to the iconic Dal Lake poses a significant threat to Srinagar’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. Untreated leachate flows into these water bodies, altering their physicochemical properties and endangering aquatic life. The site’s lack of proper insulation or liners, as noted in a study published in the International Journal of Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, allows pollutants to seep into the groundwater, posing a long-term risk to the city’s water supply.
Systemic failures have perpetuated this crisis. Despite court orders, including a 2007 Jammu & Kashmir High Court directive to close the site within 18 months and a 2017 NGT order to establish a waste-to-energy plant, no significant progress has been made. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), responsible for waste management, has been criticized for its inability to implement source segregation, a critical component of modern waste management. The absence of recycling facilities and the continued reliance on open dumping violate the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), which mandate scientific disposal and processing. Financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and allegations of corruption within the SMC have further stalled efforts to modernize the site or identify an alternative landfill, a challenge compounded by Srinagar’s limited availability of wasteland due to its water-rich geography.
Proposed Solutions and the Path Forward
Addressing the Achan crisis requires a multifaceted approach that combines scientific waste management, community engagement, and policy reform. First, the SMC must prioritize source segregation, educating residents on separating wet and dry waste to facilitate recycling and composting. The introduction of dual-bin systems in households, as mandated by the Solid Waste Management Rules, could significantly reduce the volume of mixed waste reaching Achan. Second, investment in modern waste processing facilities, such as composting plants and waste-to-energy units, is critical. The proposed waste-to-energy plant, approved by the Jammu & Kashmir cabinet in 2017, could generate 5 megawatts of electricity from 5 metric tons of waste daily, but its implementation remains stalled. Reviving this project under a public-private partnership model could alleviate the landfill’s burden.
Third, bio-mining, as explored by the SMC in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, offers a promising solution. Bio-mining can help reclaim land by processing legacy waste, reducing the landfill’s footprint and mitigating its environmental impact. Additionally, the use of anti-odor chemicals and leachate treatment systems, as suggested by the NGT’s expert committee in 2024, could provide immediate relief to residents. Finally, the government must explore alternative landfill sites, despite the challenges posed by Srinagar’s geography, and integrate waste management into the Srinagar Smart City Project to align with sustainable urban development goals.
Community involvement is equally vital. Engaging residents through awareness campaigns and participatory decision-making can foster a culture of responsible waste disposal. The protests and petitions, such as those led by environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, demonstrate the community’s willingness to advocate for change. Supporting these efforts with transparent governance and accountability can bridge the trust gap between residents and authorities.
Bottom line
The Syedpora Achan dumping site is more than a landfill; it is a symbol of Srinagar’s struggle with modernization and environmental stewardship. Its stench has redefined the city’s smellscape, replacing the fragrance of its gardens and lakes with the odor of neglect and mismanagement. The crisis at Achan is a call to action for the government, the SMC, and the residents of Srinagar to work collaboratively toward a sustainable future. By embracing scientific waste management, enforcing environmental regulations, and prioritizing the well-being of affected communities, Srinagar can reclaim its identity as a paradise on Earth, where clean air and a healthy environment are accessible to all. The path forward is challenging but essential, not only for the residents of Achan but for the soul of Srinagar itself. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive, science-based approach—one that combines technological innovation, policy reform, community participation, and political will. Only through such concerted efforts can Srinagar hope to reclaim its identity as a paradise on Earth, where natural beauty and environmental health coexist harmoniously. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the urgency of transforming Srinagar’s smellscape and safeguarding its future makes it an imperative for all stakeholders—government, citizens, and environmental advocates alike—to work collaboratively. If not addressed promptly and effectively, the crisis at Achan risks turning Srinagar’s landscape into a desolate reminder of environmental neglect, forever tarnishing its reputation and endangering the very essence of what makes it a unique and cherished city.
Email:----------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
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