Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 26: A massive garbage dump along the Pulwama ring road in South Kashmir has sparked anger among residents, shopkeepers and students, who say the waste poses a severe health and safety risk.
The waste mound, located in the middle of paddy fields near the highway, underscores the district’s poor solid waste management. Despite attempts to hide the dump with a tin sheet, it remains visible from the busy road. The foul stench from the rotting waste is particularly distressing for students at the nearby Government Women’s Degree College.
“A government women’s college is just 10 to 15 meters from the garbage, and students are suffering terribly. If action is not taken soon, it will turn into a major health hazard,” Ghulam Hassan, a local said. He added that the dumping site has rendered a newly constructed shopping complex unusable.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the unchecked dumping of waste on agricultural land, but their complaints have gone unanswered. “The entire ecosystem is at risk as residential garbage is being dumped in an open field surrounded by orchards. The government should introduce a scientific recycling system to manage domestic waste,” Hassan added.
The waste has also attracted stray animals, including dogs and birds. “The presence of stray dogs near the college makes female students fearful. Authorities should at least consider their safety,” another resident said.
Despite repeated complaints, authorities have yet to take action, leaving residents frustrated as the garbage pile continues to grow. Local businesses have also suffered. “The foul smell drives away customers. Hardly, anyone comes to my tea shop anymore, and my earnings have dropped drastically. The administration must relocate this trash heap,” Bashir Ahmad, a tea stall owner, said.
Residents blame Municipal officials for failing to clear the waste regularly, turning the area into an open dumping ground. “The stench is unbearable, especially for the elderly, who struggle with breathing problems,” locals said.
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