Sopore, Oct 08 (KNO): The Sopore–Kupwara highway at Shankergund Model Town has turned into a garbage-laden stretch, causing serious inconvenience to commuters and raising concerns about sanitation and public health.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), piles of household waste, plastics and other litter now cover the roadside, with officials from neighboring blocks passing responsibility to each other.
BDO Sopore, Nazima, told KNO that the site falls under the jurisdiction of BDO Zaingeer. “We have visited the site several times, but the area pertains to BDO Zaingeer,” she said while acknowledging the problem.
In response, BDO Zaingeer, Abdul Rasheed Ahangar, said the area particularly Shakergund comes under Sopore’s administrative control. “We have already written a letter to BDO Sopore regarding this issue. Once she visits the site, I will accompany her to ensure proper action is taken,” he told KNO.
Meanwhile, commuters and residents expressed frustration over the stalemate. “It has become difficult to travel this stretch. Garbage is everywhere and it not only affects the appearance of the town but also poses health hazards", said a daily commuter.
Notably, Sopore currently relies on a temporary joint dumping site at Jetty, Baramulla, which serves both Sopore and Baramulla towns.
Despite repeated assurances from the Urban Local Body (ULB), the district administration and local legislator about establishing a permanent waste disposal facility, the town is yet to see tangible progress.
Civic observers and locals, however, stressed the urgent need for coordinated action. “Without clear responsibility and a permanent solution, the highway will continue to remain a dumping ground. This affects commuters, residents and the environment alike", a local resident said—(KNO)