BARAMULLA: Residents of three villages in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district are raising alarms over the deteriorating state of sanitation, as dustbins installed by the Rural Development Department (RDD) remain unattended for months.
The unchecked waste accumulation in the villages of Khai-Tangan, Hudpora and Singhpora Kalan has led to an overwhelming odour, a surge in stray dogs, and serious health concerns among the local population.
The villages collectively house over 7,500 people under Block Baramulla. Locals complain that the roadside dustbins, which were meant to improve waste management, have become an environmental hazard due to negligence by the RDD.
Junaid Ahmad, a 24-year-old resident of Singhpora Kalan said the initiative was well-intended but has now become a nightmare. “The waste is piling up, spilling onto the roads, and attracting stray dogs. It has made walking through these areas almost impossible,” he said.
Official Justifications
Panchayat Secretary Rameez Raja defended the authorities, stating that the issue was compounded by a lack of public support. “We had planned to hire Swachhagrahis (sanitation workers) for door-to-door waste collection, but unfortunately, no one in Khai-Tangan and Hud-pora supported this initiative,” he explained.
Under the proposed system, each household was to pay a sanitation fee of Rs 100 per month for waste collection. However, Raja stated that without community participation, the plan could not be sustained.
Block Development Officer (BDO) Shajat Farooq (KAS) of Baramulla acknowledged the issue, clarifying that sanitation drives were initially focused on municipal areas but were extended to rural regions in 2023.
“We have partnered with Blue Chip, a company that provides vehicles for door-to-door waste collection. However, we currently have only three vehicles covering four semi-urban panchayats. Expanding this service is a challenge,” he said.
Panchayat Secretary Nayeem-ul-Ahad Yatoo of Delina Baramulla revealed that the department was struggling to sustain the initiative due to non-cooperation from locals. However, he assured that temporary measures would be taken.
Shopkeeper Abdul Hameed shared a similar plight, noting that one of the overflowing dustbins is placed right next to his shop. “Instead of promoting cleanliness, these bins are a source of unbearable stench and a breeding ground for disease. The stray dogs have become a threat to our children. Parents are terrified to let them play outside,” he added.
The initiative to install dustbins was funded under the Panchayati Raj (PR) scheme, aimed at reducing waste dumping into water bodies. However, according to Khai-Tangan Panchayat Sarpanch Farooq Ahmad Dar, the project has faltered due to a lack of follow-up action by authorities.
“These bins were installed as part of a larger waste management effort, particularly in semi-urban villages. But without regular collection, they are doing more harm than good,” Dar admitted.
Several villagers believe the bins were merely part of a superficial beautification drive ahead of the 2023 G20 Summit, during which foreign delegates visited Kashmir. “They put up these bins just to show a clean image of our region, but once the summit ended, so did their interest in waste management,” said a frustrated resident.
“For now, we will clean the overflowing dustbins and pause their use until we have more vehicles to manage waste collection effectively,” Yatoo stated.
The department is also considering implementing a Challan system, where violators will be fined for improper waste disposal. This move aligns with India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on sanitation and waste management.
BDO Shajat Farooq highlighted that Baramulla Block is pioneering door-to-door garbage collection in the district. The initiative has started with eight panchayats and will be expanded gradually. “We are working on a self-sustaining revenue model. With proper execution and public cooperation, we aim to cover all panchayats soon,” he added.
As a long-term solution, officials are encouraging farmers to use composting kits provided by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments. These kits allow villagers to convert organic waste into fertiliser, improving soil fertility and reducing environmental pollution.
While officials claim to be addressing the issue, residents remain sceptical.
The unattended waste bins continue to be a source of health hazards and anxiety. Without prompt action, what appears to be a sanitation lapse today could evolve into a major public health crisis.
For now, the people of Baramulla’s villages can only hope that the authorities act before the mounting waste becomes a catastrophe.
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