Lack of proper waste management leaves Sopore grappling with garbage issue

Baramulla, Jan 9: The scattered garbage and roads dotted with polythene bags greet visitors at the entry point of Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, presenting a grim picture of what was once known as the “Apple Town” and fondly remembered as “Chhota London” in its heyday.

Sopore is one of the most vibrant towns of north Kashmir, and its population has increased manifold over the past few years. While the town has expanded rapidly in all directions, it continues to face a major challenge in the form of poor solid waste management.

The town has 21 wards with a population of around one lakh. For such a large population, which generates tonnes of garbage every day, there are only around 100 sanitation workers, an insufficient number given the scale of waste generation.

“There is an immediate need to increase the number of sanitation workers. Besides, the authorities must come up with a proper solution for solid waste disposal. In the absence of this, garbage can be seen scattered on roads and along riverbanks,” said Muhammad Lateef of Noorbagh, Sopore.

Heaps of waste can be seen dumped along roadsides, open spaces and market areas, while the banks of the river Jhelum passing through the town are increasingly choked with plastic waste and household garbage. The unchecked dumping has not only spoiled the town’s visual appeal but has also raised serious environmental and public health concerns.

The local residents say that the lack of an effective garbage disposal system has turned Sopore into a dumping ground. “The town has expanded rapidly over the years, but basic civic amenities have failed to keep pace with this growth. Garbage collection is irregular, and there is no proper scientific disposal of waste,” locals said.

According to residents, tonnes of waste are generated daily from households, markets and fruit mandis. However, in the absence of adequate waste management infrastructure, much of it ends up on roadsides or in the river. The situation worsens during rains, when garbage flows into drains and the Jhelum, aggravating pollution and increasing the risk of flooding.

Despite being one of the most vibrant commercial hubs of north Kashmir, Sopore continues to struggle with basic sanitation facilities. The absence of waste segregation, recycling units and designated dumping sites has further compounded the problem. The locals here have urged the municipal authorities to step up garbage collection services, ensure regular lifting of waste, and introduce a sustainable solid waste management system.