Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: Weak response from bidders has stalled the process of setting up an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) unit in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district despite availability of funds under Swachh Bharat Mission.
As per the Department of Urban Development tenders have been floated thrice in last five years for the purpose but failed to receive “appropriate response” from the bidders. “In order to establish the Integrated Solid Waste Management units in PPP mode, the tenders have been floated for the third time this year. Despite conducting three pre-bid meetings with the intended bidders to address their concerns no response has been received,” an official said.
The main reason behind the delay is disagreement over the pattern of funding. The Government would provide only 35 percent of the cost under Swachh Bharat Mission while the rest has to be borne by the company itself. “We have floated tenders for the third time. We are not receiving appropriate response,” Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Director Urban Local Bodies told Excelsior.
Another official, however, claimed that a concession agreement is being prepared on the lines of Srinagar Municipal Committee to end the impasse. “EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) has been prepared and the concession agreement is being prepared on lines of SMC,” he said.
In 2014, the Government notified sprawling 30-Kanals of land for the setting up of the unit at Urnhall, Batengo area of the Anantnag district. It was supposed to dispose off the waste on scientific lines without harming the environment. The site was identified for the waste of ecologically sensitive areas falling under four Municipal Committees comprising of Anantnag, Bijbehara, Mattan, Achabal and Ashmuqam with a project cost of around Rs 4 crores and plant capacity of 165 metric tons per day.
The site was identified to bring in environment friendly techniques but failed to kick start even after repeated pleas from the people. In absence of a proper waste management, locals said, roadsides and stream banks are reeling under the blanket of waste causing a nuisance to the residents. In addition, locals said, presence of polythene and other waste outside the health institutes is affecting sanitation of these institutes.
Anantnag which means the land of springs holds the distinction of having largest number of streams including Sandran, Brengi, Arpath and Lidder but unabated dumping of waste into them is threatening their existence. The locals rued that the fresh water springs of the district are under threat as the concerned municipalities throw garbage on its streams. “The garbage finally finds its way into these streams, which swell during rains and washes away the garbage with it,” Nissar Ahmad, a local said, adding the water of some springs has turned murky due to discharge of waste.
Chief Executive Officer Municipal Committee Anantnag, Mohammad Ismail said: “We are not receiving appropriate response from the bidder. Tendering process is underway. Funds are available with us under Swachh Bharat Mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Directorate has not constructed a fencing wall around the project site to protect it from possible encroachment.
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