Srinagar, Aug 7 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) has sounded a strong alarm over what it describes as an escalating environmental and humanitarian crisis stemming from the Achan garbage dumping site near Sangam Eidgah in Srinagar.
Originally developed in 1985 as a scientific landfill in collaboration with Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., the site has now degraded into an unregulated dumping ground, sprawling across more than 600 kanals (approximately 75 acres). Over 500 metric tonnes of unsegregated municipal solid waste are reportedly dumped at the site daily.
Scientific assessments and public health data suggest the release of toxic leachates, methane emissions, and airborne pollutants, which are being linked to a significant surge in respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and even long-term health risks such as cancer.
“The foul stench and environmental degradation are not just localised to Achan, Eidgah, Anchar, Soura, Zoonimar, and Sekidafar, but have now spread to far-off areas like Jamia Masjid, Lal Bazar, and other parts of Downtown Srinagar,” JKCS said in a statement. Residents are reportedly grappling with a rise in infections, growing stray dog menace, and overall unlivable conditions. Many are even considering abandoning their ancestral homes due to the worsening air quality and living standards.
Calling it a “grave violation of basic human rights,” JKCS has appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to take immediate action. It demanded the relocation of the dumping site to a non-residential, scientifically approved location, as well as strict enforcement of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The group also urged the government to conduct independent environmental and health audits around Achan and Anchar Lake, and to initiate timely healthcare interventions for the affected population. JKCS noted that the site partially occupies a former wetland, posing a grave risk to Srinagar’s fragile ecological balance and contaminating underground and surface water sources.
“Continued official apathy reflects a serious failure of urban governance and undermines citizens’ right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment,” the statement said.
JKCS asserted that it stands in solidarity with the residents and will continue to raise the issue across forums until concrete action is taken and justice delivered. (KDC)