Tangmarg, Oct 02 (KNO): Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javed Dar on Friday said that garbage piles around SBM segregation sheds across J&K are set to end as the government has finalised a policy for their operation and maintenance.
Talking to reporters here in North Kashmir, Javed Dar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the new mechanism will address the issue of sanitation and waste management infrastructure and that of SBM sheds being left unattended and garbage accumulating around them. “The government has allocated 10 per cent of district capex for the facilities,” he added.
He acknowledged that the initiative to establish several of the sheds was taken before the formation of the present government, but many facilities were subsequently left unattended due to a lack of funds for their regulation, operation and maintenance.
The Minister said the issue was taken up seriously by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the department has now finalised a policy to ensure that the facilities remain functional.
He said the tendering process for Baramulla has already started with an allocation of Rs 4.5 crore. He added that every district will get a 10 per cent share from the district capex allocation, which will provide a dedicated financial mechanism for the upkeep and operation of SBM sheds.
He said the new arrangement will ensure that the problems faced by the facilities due to inadequate operational funding do not continue.
The issue of SBM sheds established near water sources was also raised, with the minister said corrective measures would be taken wherever such facilities have been established at unsuitable locations.
"PRIs were asked to identify the land and officers then proceeded with the same, but rectification will be done," he said.
The minister also stressed that maintaining sanitation and cleanliness cannot be left to the government alone, saying people have a greater responsibility to keep their surroundings clean. He said the success of the waste management system would depend on public awareness, participation and proper disposal of waste at the community level.
Pertinently, SBM sheds were established across J&K for waste segregation, but several remained unattended due to lack of funds for operation and maintenance, with residents and local representatives raised concerns over garbage piling up around the sheds, inadequate manpower and waste collection and some facilities being located near water sources—(KNO)