An Open Dumping Site on the Banks of Jhelum Poses Threat to Life and Environment in Bijbehara

From the last 2 years, the municipal committee Bijbehara has been dumping garbage on the lush green patch of land located on the banks of river Jhelum near Pazalpora village. This dumping yard is not only becoming a hassle to dozens of locals farmers but is posing a serious environmental threat to the flora and fauna of the Jhelum river. It not only releases foul smell but also attracts dozens of canines which risks the life of local people. According to locals, this garbage yard can cause flooding if it rains and can damage crops as the area is flood-prone. Locals have been opposing converting this open place as a dumping yard and approached the concerned municipal committee and local deputy commissioner as well, but authorities have always failed them. The lack of proper waste management in Kashmir has always been a concern of local people and many civil society organisations. In 2019, the high court also directed the divisional commissioner Kashmir to ensure that no solid waste is dumped in the river Jhelum, but one can easily see as to how seriously the court order has been taken.