662 sheds non-functional across J&K

Srinagar, Apr 2: As many as 662 out of 2,849 segregation sheds in rural Jammu and Kashmir are non-functional despite an expenditure of ₹8,296.68 lakh, according to data tabled in the Assembly on Thursday.

The details were provided in a written reply to a question by PDP legislator Aga Muntazir Mehdi, outlining the district-wise status of solid waste management infrastructure.

Kupwara reported the highest number of defunct sheds, with 298 out of 319 non-operational, followed by Pulwama (120 of 164) and Baramulla (109 of 259). In Rajouri, all 258 constructed sheds are non-functional.

“The non-functionality is primarily due to lack of operation and maintenance (O&M) funds and manpower,” the government said.

Bandipora has 54 non-functional sheds out of 126, while Poonch reported 65 out of 170 not in use. Districts including Anantnag, Budgam, Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Shopian and Udhampur reported all sheds as functional.

On waste disposal, the government clarified that designated dumping sites do not fall under the ambit of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).

“In rural areas, waste is collected through a door-to-door (D2D) mechanism and transported to segregation sheds,” the reply said.

It added that plastic waste is sent to Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs) for processing, while biodegradable waste is managed through community compost pits and, in some areas, GOBARdhan biogas plants.

The data further revealed that out of 899 waste collection vehicles, 31 are non-functional across districts.

Anantnag has 570 vehicles, all functional. Bandipora has 24 vehicles (22 functional, 2 non-functional), while Baramulla has 67 vehicles, including 2 non-functional. Budgam has 51 vehicles, all operational, and Ganderbal has 24 vehicles with 1 non-functional.

Jammu has 40 vehicles (3 non-functional), Kishtwar has 8 (all functional), Kulgam has 20 (4 non-functional), and Kupwara has 48 vehicles, all functional. Poonch has 1 functional vehicle, while Pulwama has 24 vehicles, of which 12 are non-functional.

Ramban has 13 vehicles, including 7 non-functional, while Shopian has 9 vehicles, all operational.

Several districts — Doda, Kathua, Rajouri, Reasi, Samba, Srinagar and Udhampur — reported having no waste collection vehicles in their rural areas.

The reply also stated that 53 blocks are without full-time Block Development Officers (BDOs). “Additional charge has been assigned for smooth functioning until regular appointments are made,” the government said, adding that the recruitment process is underway.