Locals demand restoration of solid waste management services
Arif Rashid
Budgam, May 24: Solid waste management activities across villages in Rathsun Block of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district have remained disrupted for the past three months, causing inconvenience to residents and raising concerns over sanitation and public health.
Amid the suspension of waste collection services, the Block Development Officer (BDO) Rathsun has issued a public notice prohibiting people from dumping garbage at the old dumping site located between Rathsun and Ohangam villages.
According to the notice, the land falling under the jurisdiction of Block Development Office Rathsun is strictly prohibited from being used for dumping garbage, waste material, construction debris, or any other kind of refuse.
The BDO said that some individuals were illegally disposing of waste on the said land, resulting in environmental pollution, health hazards, and inconvenience to local residents. The officer warned that such activities are unlawful and would invite strict action under relevant laws and regulations.
“All residents and concerned persons are directed not to dump any kind of waste on the aforesaid land. The public is requested to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment,” the notice reads.
The BDO further warned that anyone found violating the directions would face legal action and penalties as deemed appropriate by the authorities.
Reacting to the notice, residents from several villages of Rathsun Block said that after the government introduced solid waste management facilities in rural areas, the Rural Development Department had provided dustbins and vehicles to facilitate door-to-door waste collection across the block.
Locals said the Block Development Office Rathsun had successfully launched a weekly door-to-door waste collection service, which was widely appreciated by the public. Residents were reportedly paying Rs 100 per month as a service charge to the waste collection providers.
“The service was functioning effectively in all villages under Rathsun Block, and people were satisfied with it. However, around three months ago, the service providers stopped collecting waste from households,” locals alleged.
They said that since the suspension of the service, all solid waste management activities in the area have been badly affected. Residents also pointed out that the old dumping site, where waste used to be disposed of earlier, has now been closed by the authorities, leaving villagers with no proper alternative for waste disposal.
The locals urged the district administration Budgam and Rural Development Department to restore the door-to-door waste collection service at the earliest to prevent further environmental and sanitation issues in the area.