Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 8: Despite spending crores on solid waste infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the recent Government data shows many waste segregation facilities built in the past three years remain unused, highlighting gaps in implementation and oversight
Official data shows that out of 2,147 sheds constructed across the Union Territory at a cost of Rs 68.14 crore, only 1,491 are currently functional. This leaves more than 650 facilities lying idle, raising questions about utilisation and long-term sustainability of sanitation investments.
The bulk of the infrastructure expansion took place in the financial year 2023-24, when 1,851 sheds were constructed at a cost of Rs 59.30 crores. Of these, 1,229 are functional.
In 2024-25, 156 sheds were built at a cost of Rs 6.52 crore, with 166 listed as operational. During 2025-26, another 140 sheds were constructed for Rs 2.31 crore, but only 96 are currently in use.
Despite continued expansion under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the data indicates that operational readiness has not kept pace with construction.
According to the Government, the waste management chain begins with door-to-door collection in rural areas. Waste is then transported to segregation sheds, where it is separated into wet and dry categories. “Wet waste is processed in compost pits to generate organic outputs, while dry waste is sorted further. Recyclable plastic is sent to specialised processing units for shredding and baling before being forwarded to authorised recyclers,” Government said.
Authorities say that complaints about littering or inconvenience near these facilities are addressed through immediate clearance measures.
Kupwara recorded the highest number of defunct sheds, with 298 out of 319 non-operational. Pulwama and Baramulla also reported high numbers of idle units, with 120 out of 164 and 109 out of 259 respectively not functioning.
In Rajouri, all 258 constructed sheds were reported to be non-functional.
Other districts such as Bandipora and Poonch also showed partial functionality, while Anantnag, Budgam, Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Shopian and Udhampur reported full operational status of their sheds.
Officials attributed the non-functionality primarily to shortages of operation and maintenance funding, as well as a lack of manpower.
The data also highlights constraints in supporting infrastructure. Of 899 waste collection vehicles across districts, 31 are non-functional.
Several districts-including Doda, Kathua, Rajouri, Reasi, Samba, Srinagar and Udhampur-reported having no waste collection vehicles in rural areas.
Meanwhile, 53 administrative blocks are operating without full-time Block Development Officers (BDOs), with additional charges assigned as a temporary measure. The Government says recruitment is underway.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore functionality to idle assets. Repair and renovation work has begun on defunct sheds, while the Government is exploring public-private partnership (PPP) models to improve operational efficiency.
In addition, 10% of grants allocated to Panchayati Raj Institutions have been earmarked for the operation and maintenance of rural sanitation assets.
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