SRINAGAR, April 28: The 400 metric tons of waste generated everyday in Srinagar is posing environmental threats if immediate measures are not taken for its proper disposal.
As per a report of State Pollution Control Board, a total of 400 metric tons of waste is generated per day in Srinagar. At least 62 percent of this waste is organic in nature while the remaining is inorganic including 7 percent of plastic waste, the report says.
A government report revealed that waste management was a huge challenge in Jammu and Kashmir.
The report says it will become much “more threatening” if immediate measures are not taken.
The issues pertaining to solid waste are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed an increase of over 8 percent in a decade.
The report says that 40 percent of municipal waste in the state is wet waste, which can easily be “composted and used as manure”.
Nearly 30 percent of the municipal waste comprises of plastic and metal, which can be sent for recycling to an authorized dealer and about 20 percent of it is e-waste, which can be recovered at door step, the report said.
“It is proposed that by 2025 the state will reduce waste generation quantity by 25 percent,” the report reads.
An official of H&UD department said that given the rapid urbanization and growing population, this sector (waste management) needs immediate attention.
“The valley’s non-dumping options to manage waste have also shrunk drastically. Burning waste no longer seems viable because of environmental concerns and poor segregation of waste. Compost plants are not doing well because manure doesn’t sell, and again becomes garbage,” the official said.
