Srinagar, Jul 03 (KNO): The persistent foul smell emanating from the Achan dumping site has once again become a major source of concern for patients, attendants and healthcare workers at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, with the problem intensifying during the ongoing summer season.
Patients and attendants, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), expressed frustration over the continued neglect of the issue, saying the smell becomes unbearable during the afternoon and evening hours.
"My father has been admitted here for over a week. During the daytime, especially when the temperature rises, the smell becomes so strong that it makes us nauseous. A hospital should provide a healing atmosphere, but this foul odour only adds to our stress," said an attendant from north Kashmir.
Another attendant from south Kashmir said, "We are already going through emotional and financial hardship while caring for our patient. The unbearable smell makes it difficult to even sit outside the wards for a few minutes. Authorities must resolve this issue without further delay."
A patient undergoing treatment at SKIMS said the persistent stench often causes discomfort and loss of appetite. "The smell is overwhelming at times. It affects our peace of mind and makes recovery even more difficult," he said.
Hospital staff also voiced concern, saying they have been facing the problem for years. "The foul smell is more intense during the summer months. Doctors, nurses, support staff and even those living in the residential quarters have to endure it almost every day. It is not only unpleasant but also affects the overall working environment," a staff member said on condition of anonymity.
Medical Superintendent, SKIMS, Prof Farooq Ahmad Jan, has written to the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), urging immediate intervention to address the issue, stating that the foul odour continues to cause immense inconvenience and poses a potential health risk to critically ill patients admitted to the premier tertiary care hospital.
According to the letter accessed by KNO through an RTI by activist M M Shuja, SKIMS had earlier raised the issue with the SMC. However, despite repeated representations, the problem has persisted. In another communication issued this year, the Medical Superintendent reminded the civic body that the unbearable stench continues to affect patients, attendants and hospital staff, particularly during the summer months when rising temperatures intensify the smell from the dumping site.
The hospital administration said numerous complaints have been received from attendants who spend days and nights with their loved ones undergoing treatment. The unpleasant odour, it noted, not only causes discomfort but also creates an unhealthy environment for patients battling serious illnesses. Staff members residing in the nearby residential quarters are also facing the same problem on a daily basis.
"We have repeatedly requested the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to take urgent and effective remedial measures to mitigate the foul smell from the Achan dumping site but no action has been taken as of now, " an official said.
The issue is directly impacting patient welfare, attendants and hospital staff. Early intervention is essential in the larger public interest.
The SKIMS administration has urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to take concrete and lasting measures to control the odour and improve waste management practices at the Achan dumping site, stressing that safeguarding the health and dignity of patients should remain a top priority—(KNO)