Ganderbal, Aug 21 (KNO): Absence of garbage collection vehicles in Kangan area in Ganderbal district for the past month has caused considerable inconvenience to residents, business owners and hotel operators, with waste accumulating along roadsides and at unauthorised dumping spots.
Residents while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that they continue to pay monthly waste collection fees, but irregular garbage collection has resulted in the accumulation of waste at Prang, Kijpora, Chinnar, Cherwan, Margund, Wussan, Lari, Najwan, and other areas of Kangan subdivision.
They said the situation is not only affecting cleanliness but is also creating environmental hazards and public health concerns, besides causing inconvenience to tourists and visitors.
“Authorities should ensure that collection vehicles visit the area regularly,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Prang.
“Foul odour emanating from garbage dumps has made our lives miserable. These dumps are attracting stray animals who become violent after spotting the humans. We request the concerned authorities to restore regular waste collection at the earliest,” said M Iqbal of Kijpora.
“Chinnar is also facing problems due to the accumulation of waste. The authorities need to act. The garbage is piling up in public places. Clean surroundings are especially important for the people and visitors,” said Abdul Ahad.
Hotel owners in the area also expressed concern, saying the accumulation of garbage could have a negative impact on tourism and local businesses.
Meanwhile, around seven waste segregation sheds have reportedly been constructed in Kangan Block, but residents said most of them are currently non-functional.
They said the initiative could help improve waste management if the sheds are properly operated and waste is segregated and processed regularly.
Parwaiz Ahmad told KNO that no suitable land has so far been identified for the dumping and proper management of the waste.
He appealed to the higher authorities to urgently identify suitable land for waste disposal and establish an effective waste management system to prevent garbage from being dumped along roadsides, public places and other unauthorised locations.
Residents and business owners have appealed to the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to intervene urgently, ensure regular deployment of garbage collection vehicles and make the waste segregation sheds operational in Kangan Block.
They also urged the authorities to put in place a proper system for collection, segregation and disposal of waste to prevent further environmental and public health concerns—(KNO)