Pulwama, May 30 (KNO): The long-standing issue of garbage disposal along the circular road in Pulwama town remains unresolved, as the much-anticipated solid waste management project continues to hang in the balance due to poor response to tenders.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities, garbage collected by the Municipal Committee Pulwama continues to be dumped near the Government Degree College (GDC) for Women, causing severe inconvenience to local residents, shopkeepers, students, and daily commuters.
Local residents, expressing deep frustration, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the foul smell and the unsightly scene have made life unbearable. "The stench reaches several meters, affecting students and residents alike," said a resident, adding that businesses in the area are also suffering due to the proximity of the garbage.
Rouf Ahmad, a local social activist, said the situation has turned intolerable. "Residents can’t even open their doors or windows. The area has effectively become a dumping yard," he said.
Another resident, Zeeshan Ahmad Bhat, lamented that despite years of repeated promises about shifting the site, no tangible progress has been made. “This has also led to an alarming rise in stray dogs, posing a serious risk to people’s safety,” he added.
Locals and shopkeepers criticised the authorities for choosing a residential area to dump solid waste when suitable land is available elsewhere. “This reflects negligence and disregard for public health,” said a nearby shopkeeper.
Residents said they have raised the issue multiple times with concerned authorities, but their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. “We are simply being ignored,” said a group of passersby near the site.
They demanded urgent intervention and relocation of the dumping site, urging the administration to act without further delay.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, told KNO that while the solid waste management facility in the Newa area has been completed, its mechanical component is still pending installation. “We have floated tenders several times, but unfortunately received no response," he said.
Dr Qauoom added, "The mechanical equipment tendered again recently, and we are now expecting a response. Only the equipment remains to be procured, which has caused the delay."
The DC assured that once the mechanical part is in place, the installation process will proceed quickly, and the garbage dumping site will be shifted soon—(KNO)