Eid-ul-Adha Gift: In a first, SMC to provide free door-to-door hooper service for safe disposal of animal waste

Srinagar, May 28: In a proactive step to maintain cleanliness and hygiene during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is launching a free hooper service across the city to help residents with the proper disposal of sacrificial animal remains. The initiative, a first-of-its-kind in the region, aims to streamline waste collection and prevent accumulation in public spaces, ensuring a cleaner environment during the festive days.
The dedicated hooper service will be available from June 7 to June 9, coinciding with the three-day festival. Operating daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the service will offer door-to-door collection of animal waste across all municipal wards of Srinagar. The service will cater to both residential households and commercial establishments participating in the sacrificial rites, with all collected waste being transported to the Achan landfill for proper and safe disposal.
A senior SMC official, requesting anonymity, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “In previous years, animal remains were often discarded in public spaces, attracting stray dogs, creating foul smells, and posing serious health risks. This year, we’re taking a proactive and organized approach through the introduction of this first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure timely and sanitary disposal across all localities.”
To support the initiative, the department has launched an awareness campaign using both social media and traditional outreach methods to encourage residents to take full advantage of the service. “We urge all residents to make use of this service and help us keep Srinagar clean,” the official said. “If anyone has any queries or needs assistance, they can contact the department directly, and our teams will be ready to help.”
Additionally, SMC has mobiliszed extra sanitation staff to reinforce the waste collection drive during the festival. These teams will be deployed at key locations such as markets and densely populated neighbourhoods to manage additional waste and maintain hygiene throughout the city. Notably, this initiative is part of SMC’s broader efforts to modernize urban sanitation and improve waste management practices in Srinagar.
Local residents have welcomed the move, calling it a timely step. “It’s reassuring to see the authorities acting ahead of time rather than waiting for complaints,” said Mohammad Altaf, a resident of Hyderpora. “This service will definitely help keep our neighbourhoods clean and preserve the sanctity of the festival. It’s a positive step forward.”
With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, the SMC’s effort is expected to significantly improve waste management and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment during the celebrations.