Srinagar, July 08: A high-level meeting was held here today, presided over by Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri to discuss certain issues of urgent public importance raised by the “Group of Concerned Citizens” (GCC) J&K.In a statement issued, the meeting was attended by senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SMC Commissioner, VC LCMA, Chief Engineers from line Departments, and SSP Traffic.The GCC team was led by former Divisional Commissioner Naseem Lanker (Rtd IAS) and included former civil servants and experts from different fields, including Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili Sb (Rtd Chief Engr), Abdul Rashid Khan (IGP Rtd), Dr Farooq Ahmad Kaloo(Former Director Animal Husbandry),Dr Fiaz Fazili (Surgeon/HealthCare Policy n Planning Consultant),Er. Hakim Iftikhar (Former Chief Town Planner), Er. Iftikhar A. Drabu, WSP India; Head of Nordics ICRC, and Mohammad Rafi(Former Mission Advisor/Director School Education).
One of the main concerns raised was the Achhan landfill site which, the Group said, posed a serious threat to public health and environment. They said that people living in nearby areas like Eidgah, Lal Bazar, Soura, and even SKIMS Hospital could be breathing in harmful gases. These gases, they warned, “can cause cancer, breathing problems, infertility, allergies, and other ailments”.The GCC requested a proper survey of gas levels in these areas and said that until a permanent solution is found, authorities must keep checking the air regularly for toxic concentrations. They also asked that people be informed and advised about the risks, and that health guidelines be issued as per OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, including steps the public should follow to stay safe.Another area of concern was a dumping ground near Jamkash in Hyderpora, where waste disposal trucks are reportedly dumping garbage. GCC members said that some local women are seen there sorting through waste with their bare hands, without any protection. They called this unsafe and said it must be stopped immediately.The meeting also covered other key issues such as poor drainage and sewer system, encroachment on public lands, “forgotten plans” for flood prevention, farmlands being turned into construction zones etc.The GCC also stressed upon the need for better coordination among departments and stronger laws to control unplanned development.Food safety was also discussed. The Group called for more checks on food hygiene, additives, and quality to ensure people are not exposed to health risks.The Divisional Commissioner assured the delegation that all these matters would be taken seriously and concerned departments asked to take immediate action.
