Overflow, clogged drains hit sanitation
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 27: Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla is grappling with a worsening sanitation crisis, driven by the absence of a functional drainage system and prolonged delays in the approval of a comprehensive sewage treatment facility.
Students allege that untreated toilet waste is openly visible around hostel premises, creating unhygienic and “unbearable” living conditions across multiple hostel blocks.
“We are unable to even have our meals in the dining halls due to the foul smell,” a student said, highlighting the impact on daily life.
Another resident described the situation as a reflection of neglect of student welfare, adding, “This institution is meant for students, but it is the students who are suffering the most here.”
The situation is particularly alarming near the cafeteria area, where the drainage system has reportedly collapsed, with students describing the stench as overwhelming.
According to available details, the crisis stems from the absence of a proper effluent and sewage treatment system-key components of a comprehensive drainage network that is yet to be put in place, as approval continues to be delayed.
A proposal estimated at around Rs 16 crore for establishing a full-fledged drainage and treatment mechanism was forwarded to the higher authorities over a year ago but remains pending.
In the meantime, the existing makeshift drainage system continues to malfunction. It frequently gets clogged within short stretches-often within 100 feet-due to the lack of a proper outlet and treatment facility.
The problem is compounded by a bottleneck at the discharge point, where land belonging to the District Industries Centre (DIC) is reportedly obstructing waste outflow, preventing proper disposal.
With the college consuming nearly 1.5 lakh litres of water daily, much of which turns into wastewater, the inadequate infrastructure is unable to cope, leading to repeated overflows and the accumulation of sewage in and around hostel areas.
Students said the current system is not designed to handle such volume and cannot serve as a permanent solution.
Officials told Excelsior that the proposal for the drainage and treatment system, formulated by the UEED, has been taken up with higher authorities, including the R&B Department, and is under consideration.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
