Policy Gaps and Public Health: Unraveling Plastic Pollution in J&K

Plastic has now entered our food chain and it is estimated that an approx 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste infiltrate into the aquatic ecosystems, severely impacting water life and human health. Micro plastics have been detected in water, food, and even human bodies, underscoring the pervasive nature of the crisis. The Global Plastic Pollution Treaty finalized in Busan in November 2024 gives an insight into this crisis.

In Jammu and Kashmir, we face serious challenges on account of plastic waste which got our tourism industry at risk. This gets more exacerbating, when tourists bring disposable plastics to Kashmir tourist places which lack recycling infrastructure, Innovative solutions such as refillable water systems etc. In fact large number of plastic water bottles is available at all tourist places and there is no system of disposal yet. Plastic waste remains a pressing environmental concern in Jammu and Kashmir, in spite of the fact that single-use plastic is banned on July 1, 2022. In Kashmir, the reliance on bottled water and plastic-packaged foods is prevalent, especially during events like weddings and festivals also. Wazwan is served in a copper trami (platter) and a wicker basket with plastic bottles, glasses, spoons and plates is also served. This cultural practice contributes significantly to plastic waste and potential health risks.

The pervasive use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and plastic packaging in Kashmir has raised significant concerns regarding food safety and public health. These plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food and beverages, especially under certain conditions, leading to various health risks. The chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates commonly found in plastics, can leach into food and drinks, particularly when containers are exposed to heat. BPA and phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Studies have shown that prolonged contact between food and plastic containers can lead to the migration of heavy metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) into the food. These metals pose serious health risks, including neurological and developmental disorders. Research indicates that a single liter of bottled water can contain up to 2–3 lakh micro plastic particles. These particles are not only present in water but have also been detected in various food items. Ingested micro plastics can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to inflammation, cellular damage, and disruption of gut micro biota. Long-term exposure is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.

Dal Lake, renowned for its scenic beauty and houseboat tourism, faces severe pollution challenges. Approximately 950 houseboats operate on the lake, lacking proper plastic waste disposal systems. Studies indicate that these houseboats contribute around 9,000 metric tonnes of waste annually, including substantial amounts of plastic waste such as bottles, wrappers, and polythene bags. This waste not only degrades the lake’s aesthetic appeal but also leads to the formation of micro plastics, adversely affecting aquatic life.

Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, is experiencing ecological degradation due to unchecked waste dumping. The lake’s shores are littered with trash, including plastic waste, leading to a decline in fish production and affecting the livelihoods of local fishing communities. The accumulation of waste has also resulted in the lake becoming shallower, threatening its biodiversity and ecological balance. Livestock often consume plastic waste while grazing, leading to digestive blockages, malnutrition, and even death. This not only affects animal health but also results in economic losses for farmers. Plastic litter degrades the quality of grazing lands, reducing the availability of nutritious forage for animals.

Over the past five years, data from newspapers suggest that J&K has generated approximately 225,630 tonnes of plastic waste. While there was a peak of 74,826 tonnes in 2019-20, the figures have shown a declining trend, with 30,342 tonnes reported in 2022-23, probably due to the unscientific disposal around water bodies and open lands and Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite regulatory frameworks, enforcement remains inconsistent due to irregular waste collection services which lead residents to dispose of plastic waste in open fields, exacerbating environmental degradation. The continued use of polythene bags has led to clogged drainage systems and pollution of water bodies like the Jhelum River and all other water tributaries.

Doodhganga river including other water bodies have been subjected to worst domestic and plastic pollution which include dumping of used sanitary pads, diapers, and other plastic linings used by children like chips, biscuit packets, etc. These polythene materials are seen strewn on the water surface and its banks. This tributary is subjected to a serious mining issue also. We may see decrease in drinking water availability in parts of Srinagar city and other areas, if the condition persists.

Sanitary pad and diaper waste contribute significantly to plastic pollution due to their high plastic content and improper disposal. While sanitary pads are often discarded in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, diapers are largely non-biodegradable. Chemicals used in the production of these products, like Sodium Polyacrylate (SAP), have been linked to health issues, including toxic shock syndrome.

The Kashmir region faces shortage of landfills and waste treatment facilities. The Srinagar’s sole landfill site at Achen is overburdened and poses health hazards. This waste contaminates soil, water, and air, and some materials can enter the food chain as micro plastics. This landfill in Srinagar has become a focal point of environmental concern due to its significant contribution to plastic pollution and associated health hazards. Originally a thriving wetland ecosystem, the Achan area was repurposed in 1983 into Srinagar’s sole municipal dumping site. Currently, it spans approximately 75 acres and receives around 450–600 metric tonnes of waste daily, including a substantial amount of plastic waste. Over the years, more than 1.1 million metric tonnes of legacy waste has accumulated, leading to severe environmental degradation and public health concerns.

The landfill lacks adequate leachate treatment facilities. Consequently, untreated leachate has been seeping into nearby water bodies, including Anchar Lake, Khushal sar and other water bodies which are almost on the brink of extinction. This percolation into the soil system leads to contamination of groundwater source also. Decomposing waste emits methane and other harmful gases, contributing to air pollution and emitting foul odors that affect the quality of life for nearby residents. Methane emission can be very hazardous and can catch fire any time if the emission is persistent.

Residents living in proximity to the landfill have reported a range of health problems, including respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal issues and are protesting against the environmental and health impacts of this dumping site. Despite numerous demonstrations and legal appeals, effective action has been limited. Community members continue to advocate for the relocation of this landfill.

Srinagar’s waste processing infrastructure is insufficient even if some amount of waste is processed which leaves a significant amount unprocessed and contributing to the growing waste problem. The treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste has to be under the aegis of Municipal Solid waste management and Handling Rules 2016 published under the Environment Protection Act 1986,with amendments made from time to time. However, despite a ban on single-use plastics, enforcement remains weak.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken note of the environmental violations at the Achan landfill. In response to petition by Dr Bhat highlighting the unscientific disposal of waste, the NGT has directed the formation of a high-level committee to assess the situation and recommend remedial measures. The committee is tasked with evaluating the extent of pollution and health hazards and proposing sustainable waste management solutions. The NGT has also directed the committee to consider setting up waste processing facilities to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill.

Key Directions from the NGT are of interest to the general public.

The NGT has indicated its intention to take action against the eight former Commissioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) who were in office between 2017 and 2025, due to the unscientific waste dumping. The current Commissioner has been directed to ensure the clearance of 11.5 lakh metric tons of legacy waste dumped at Achan landfill within a two-year timeframe. Environment compensation has also been levied on SMC.

The SMC has proposed a four-phase waste management plan, targeting full remediation of Achan landfill by March 2027. The NGT has issued their directions on the monitoring and Reporting as well. The NGT mandated monthly progress reports, quarterly reviews by the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), and the creation of a public dashboard to track the cleanup effort.

Recommendations:

Addressing plastic pollution in Jammu and Kashmir requires a multifaceted approach involving policy enforcement, community engagement, and infrastructure development to protect water resources, livestock, and public health. Along with infrastructure development, community engagement and innovative solutions and the Government and the civil society have to demonstrate a commitment to mitigate plastic pollution. However, sustained efforts in enforcement, infrastructure expansion, and public awareness are crucial to achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

The main focus should be aimed to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic among the people, tourists and tourism industry. Cloth bags should be distributed to discourage the use of single-use plastics, offering a practical step toward environmental responsibility. A sustained campaign needs to be started in all educational institutions for sustainability and health. Awareness and proactive initiatives in the education sector and urban city centers of Kashmir can play a transformative role in combating plastic pollution. Raising awareness about plastic use and sponsoring pilot projects in the education sector and urban centers of Kashmir is vital for tackling the growing plastic pollution crisis. This approach fosters behavioral change, supports sustainable innovation, and helps build long-term environmental resilience. Behavioural shift, model replicability of pilot projects and employment opportunities can guide J&K implementation for successful plastic use campaign.

Gaps in the SMC:

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  There is a weak waste management infrastructure compounded with inadequate solid waste collection and disposal. There is a limited segregation at source, coupled with lack of recycling initiatives and over-reliance on open dumping and unscientific landfill. There is an unregulated e-waste and bio- medical waste which is often mixed with general waste posing serious environmental and health risks.
• On the air quality front, the monitoring is not optimal. The only AQI (Air Quality Index) station in Kashmir situated at Rajbagh in a comparatively clean area is not giving a clear picture about the air quality in high traffic city areas. This location is in question and the responsibility needs to be fixed as to who is responsible for such a negligence. There is an insufficient control of vehicular emissions and lack of enforcement on polluting vehicles, especially older diesel-powered ones. Inadequate sewage treatment plants (STPs) and improper maintenance result in untreated sewage entering rivers and lakes (e.g., Dal Lake).

  There is weak implementation of environmental laws as construction debris dumping, illegal deforestation, and pollution from industrial units often go unchecked.

  Encroachment and urban sprawl is due to the unplanned expansion which has lead to the degradation of green belts and wetlands, even the heart of Srinagar city has been changed into a monstrous pavement city in the name of smart city. There is no green area in the central city.

  Low community engagement as the residents are often unaware or uninvolved in sustainable practices like waste segregation, composting, or reporting pollution. There is a lack of education campaigns. Minimal effort is done in educating the public about the effects of pollution or involving them in local environmental initiatives.

  There are outdated urban development plans where in Environmental sustainability is often not prioritized in city planning. This results in inadequate disaster/environmental risk assessment due to poor preparedness for climate-driven pollution events (e.g., smog, floods from clogged drains, windstorms and hailstorm).

  There are interdepartmental Coordination Failures which results in fragmented governance and we can observe Overlap and gaps in responsibilities of various departments.

  There are funding and resource constraints with limited financial resources. Inadequate budget allocations for environmental infrastructure and green technology. Along with this there is a shortage of ,I can say safely, absence of environmental engineers, environmental scientists, inspectors, and urban planners in SMC.

   Without an environmental expert SMC lacks technical knowledge to design sustainable urban structure and to assess the environmental impact of civic projects as SMC relies on the general administrators without specialized training. All infrastructural projects need an EIA which cannot be undertaken without expertise. There is no empanelled consultant which means SMC cannot swiftly outsource these functions, delaying approvals and increasing reliance on ad hoc contractors with questionable credibility. We know the fate of smart city which has lead to the shrinkage of city drainage and a small spell of rain inundates all our major roads. On the top of it SMC has missed many Opportunities in Climate and Green Funding Without technical capacity, SMC struggles to apply for and manage central/state government grants or international green funds that require scientific project justifications. The absence of a consultant has lead to poor Public Communication and Education. The Environmental experts are essential not just for policy, but also for leading public education campaigns on pollution control, waste management, and eco-friendly practices. Their absence limits the municipality's ability to raise awareness or build community engagement.