Srinagar, July 6: The Kashmir valley is grappling with a mounting garbage crisis exacerbated by rapid urbanization and an unregulated surge in tourism.
While the tourist boom has boosted revenue and created jobs, it has significantly strained the valley’s cleaning and waste disposal systems, known as Solid Waste Management (SWM).
“About 62 percent of this waste is organic, while the rest is inorganic, including 7 percent plastic,” the official said. “In 2013, the average daily waste collection was 350 metric tons.”
The valley’s options for managing waste without dumping have also diminished. Burning waste is no longer viable due to environmental concerns and poor waste segregation. Compost plants are struggling because manure doesn’t sell, ultimately turning into garbage again.
Srinagar, with a population of over 1.2 million spread across 294 sq km on both sides of the Jhelum River, has limited facilities for solid waste segregation in residential and commercial areas. Much of the waste ends up in water bodies like Dal Lake.
“Civic bodies often blame residents for not segregating waste, but what’s the point when it all gets mixed up eventually?” the official asked.
“Segregation by residents will only be effective if corporations implement a comprehensive door-to-door waste collection system with separate containers for dry and wet waste.”
The growing garbage crisis underscores the need for immediate and efficient waste management solutions to address the environmental and health challenges posed by rapid urbanization and increasing tourist influx in Srinagar.
