Ganderbal, Feb 12 (KNO): An amount of Rs 6.50 crore has been spent on Solid Waste Management (SWM) in rural areas of Ganderbal district between 2020 and 2025, the information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals.
According to an RTI filed by social activist Manzoor Ahmad Wani, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Block-wise details show that Lar received Rs 1.05 crore, Sherpathri Rs 29.63 lakh, Safapora Rs 38.60 lakh, Gund Rs 1.03 crore, Kangan Rs 98.05 lakh, Ganderbal block Rs 1.17 crore and Wakura Rs 1.58 crore.
However, despite the substantial expenditure, ground-level outcomes remain unsatisfactory, with several rural areas reporting irregular waste collection, lack of waste segregation, underutilised infrastructure and weak sustainability of waste management systems.
Observers said the issue reflects a wider challenge across rural Kashmir.
The revelations have raised concerns over governance effectiveness and outcome-based planning, with civil society members stressing the need for better monitoring, transparency and accountability in public spending. They said development expenditure must translate into visible improvements in public services and quality of life.
Social activists have also suggested that channelising part of such funds towards welfare schemes, including housing support under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), could have delivered more tangible benefits to vulnerable families.
The findings, they said, should serve as a wake-up call for course correction, stronger community participation and a shift towards result-oriented governance in rural development initiatives—(KNO)