Prof Saifuddin Soz expresses concern over Achan stench

Srinagar, Nov 9: Former Union Minister of Environment and Forests & Ecology and senior Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz has expressed serious concern over the stench emanating from the Achan garbage dumping site and sought remedial measures to bring relief for locals.

Acting of complaints by some civil society members, Prof Soz visited the Achan landfill site. He was accompanied by civil society members, social and environmental activists.  Prof Soz was also joined by some officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, who briefed him about the Waste Management at Achan.

“There is a visible public health emergency unfolding right before our eyes,” Prof. Soz cautioned, adding that numerous families are now considering abandoning their ancestral homes simply to find breathable air and a semblance of dignity.

On the occasion, Prof Soz appealed to the J&K Administration to relocate the dumping site of Achan to a non-residential area.

‘I urge the administration to rigorously enforce the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 to ensure proper segregation and scientific treatment of waste. Let the Srinagar Municipal Corporation institute an independent Environmental and Health Audit around the Achan area and the ecologically sensitive site at Anchar Lake. They must initiate immediate health interventions for affected populations around Achan and Eidgah Area,” Prof Soz said.

Later Prof. Soz also visited Hokarsar to assess the migration of the birds. On this occasion, the Wildlife Warden briefed Prof. Soz on the facilities and initiatives adopted by the J&K Govt. for the development and beautification of Hokarsar and other areas!!

The delegation also discussed the proliferation of stray dogs in Srinagar. The delegation sought particular attention to the Achan dumping site around Eidgah.