M.M.SHUJA
The beauty of Kashmir is legendary with its breathtaking natural scenery, its lakes, water bodies, lush green forests, and enchanting climate. Everyone in the world feels a sense of calmness and peace at just mentioning Kashmir that is rightly called “Paradise on Earth.” The people living in the valley are also renowned for their hospitality and generous nature. Thirty years ago, the life in Kashmir was completely different. Although people had knowledge about air conditioners and refrigerators, these devices could be seen only in selected few houses. The sources of water were relatively cleaner; people could have the fresh water without much of worry as compared to today. The atmosphere was pure and fresh. In summer evenings, people used to keep the windows open and get some fresh and cool breeze. People did not require fans or air conditioners. Various tourists visiting from different cities of India and even abroad used to come to Kashmir to experience the unique natural beauty of the valley. The short period of summers used to be very enjoyable period for locals as well as tourists and then came the winters where people flocked towards places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam to witness the valley under the wonderful white snow blanket.
Gradually the scenario started changing. During the period of unrest in the early nineties, the process of exploitation and destruction of natural resources became more prominent. Cutting down of trees, wetlands being invaded, increased illegal mining activities, and exploitation of natural resources without proper regulation were some of the examples. Unplanned constructions and usage of excess polythene also added to environmental degradation. Now, some people might term this process as development, but then one needs to question: Is it development or destruction? Development, which causes deforestation, destruction of wetlands and lakes and water resources, can hardly be termed sustainable. It is destruction not only of our current environment but also of the future environment of our coming generations. Interference of humans in nature processes has caused serious environmental effects. Erratic weather conditions, soil erosion, floods, cloudbursts, and many other environmental catastrophes have become a matter of concern for people. Deforestation and destruction of wetlands, unplanned urbanization, and irresponsible utilization of natural resources have disrupted the balance of the Valley’s ecology. It is unfortunate that successive regimes and concerned authorities could not protect these precious natural resources from devastation. There are fears that organized mafias, operating with the connivance of concerned officials, have exploited forests, land and minerals publicly.
Achan: A Heap of Waste Amidst Paradise
Perhaps one of the most horrific illustrations of environmental degradation can be found in Srinagar city, where solid waste dumping has resulted in a great amount of environmental and health hazards. Garbage dumping has been one of the reasons behind the growth in the stray dog population in the city as well as dog bite incidences.
A large number of municipal solid waste is produced in Srinagar city on a daily basis, most of which is disposed at Achan dumping site that serves as the primary dumping ground of the SMC. Great heaps of garbage have been collected at Achan for decades and this has resulted in mountains of waste. Foul odor emanates from the dump yard which affects the people living in the vicinity. Even more worrisome is the fact that the famous Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura—a tertiary care hospital—has been seriously affected by the conditions of the dump yard. Information regarding the matter was sought from SKIMS, Soura using the RTI Act and the response raised a number of concerns. The hospital authorities have reportedly complained on a number of occasions to the SMC regarding the scientific disposal of the waste at Achan.
However, the main problem remains the lack of proper alternatives for the dumping facility and a proper method for the scientific disposal of huge quantities of waste generated over the years. This problem was also brought up before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat demanding scientific management and disposal of solid waste. The directions have been given in this regard, along with the assurance about proper measures to manage waste. In his visit to the Achan landfill, Dr. Bhat has time and again raised the issue of unscientific dumping of solid waste, plastic waste and others. What is most worrisome is the seeping out of the leachate, a toxic liquid that may seep out of the waste dumpages, and can cause severe problems to the soil and even nearby water bodies. According to the environmental issues raised by the activists, this leachate has the capacity to affect the surrounding canals, water bodies and even Anchar, Gilsar and Khushal Sar lake systems. The constant bad smell emanating from the landfill is causing problems for people residing in the surrounding areas. The effect of the same has also been raised concerning the patients, attendants and facilities at the SKIMS Hospital situated nearby.
A Smart City Should Also be a Clean City
Srinagar has emerged as a ‘Smart City’ under the Smart City project. But a city can never be termed as smart just on the basis of beautiful roads, beautiful infrastructure or good lighting. A truly smart city would be having good drainage, good roads, good traffic management, clean locality and above all a scientifically devised system of solid waste management and disposal. Regrettably enough, the people have continued to suffer from problems in regard to poor drainage, dilapidated roads, traffic jam and garbage problem in many localities. The problem of waste disposal at Achan is not just a legal issue that needs to be sorted out after the orders of the High Court or the National Green Tribunal. It is also a moral and administrative issue which pertains to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation as well as to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Some immediate and strong steps need to be taken for the treatment and disposal of the accumulated waste scientifically. Modern waste management technologies such as waste segregation at source, recycling, composting and scientifically-designed landfills need to be developed before it is too late. Kashmir has been bestowed with an amazing natural heritage. Its mountains, forests, water bodies and rivers are not some sort of resource that can be exploited indefinitely. They are a valuable asset which needs to be safeguarded.
Will the succeeding generations get the privilege of enjoying the clean lakes, green woods and pure air that Kashmir used to have? Or will they find wetlands being degraded, water pollution in water bodies, denudation of the forests and mountains of garbage?
The Author is a Senior Journalist / Human Rights Activist.
