J&K rolls out robust plan to tackle solid Waste Management & pollution: Govt

Jammu, Mar 10: In response to concerns raised by Balwant Singh Mankotia regarding solid waste management and environmental pollution, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a series of measures aimed at tackling noise, air, and water pollution across the Union Territory. These steps are designed to strengthen pollution control systems, improve waste management practices, and support sustainable development in the region.
The government has emphasized that noise pollution is being controlled under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Authorities now have the power to enforce compliance, which includes ensuring that all public address systems are equipped with sound limiters. Additionally, the sale of sound systems without noise control mechanisms is now prohibited, further curbing noise pollution.
To address air pollution, the government has introduced a multi-pronged approach. Industrial units across the region are required to install Air Pollution Control Devices as per the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Air quality monitoring stations, numbering 45, are actively tracking pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2. Additionally, diesel generator sets ranging from 61 kW to 800 kW are now mandated to have Emission Control Devices to reduce particulate emissions by at least 70%. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is operational in Jammu and Srinagar, with a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) running in Rajbagh, Srinagar.
Furthermore, the government has imposed restrictions on the establishment of new air-polluting industries in areas like Khrew and Khonmoh. Only eco-friendly industries in the Orange and Green categories are allowed to set up shop in Ghatti, Kathua. To reduce emissions from brick kilns, modern zig-zag technology is now mandatory. The promotion of electric vehicles, including e-buses, e-autos, and e-rickshaws, is also underway, alongside the introduction of public bicycle-sharing systems and Intelligent Traffic Control Systems to reduce vehicular emissions.
In an effort to combat water pollution, the government has taken decisive action under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Industries are required to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to treat wastewater before discharge. Regular monitoring of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and potable water sources is being conducted under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. Moreover, several initiatives, including Clean River Campaigns, the construction of sewerage networks, and the establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), are currently underway. Efforts to rejuvenate ponds and wetlands are also receiving focused attention.
Over the last two years, several new STPs have been commissioned across the region, including a 4 MLD STP at Belicharana in Jammu, 8 MLD at Baryal and 4 MLD at Omara Morh in Udhampur, and 6 MLD at Allochibagh in Srinagar, among others.
Addressing Mankotia’s concerns about untreated solid waste polluting the Tawi River at Jakhani, the government clarified that Jakhani is primarily a secondary collection point. The waste collected there is temporarily stored before being transported daily to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Sui for proper processing.