Pulwama residents protest against placement of dumping site

Pulwama, Jun 11: Residents of Pulwama town in south Kashmir on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, demanding the relocation of a dumping site from the Dangerpora area along Circular Road. Scores of residents gathered at the site, expressing anger over what they described as growing health and environmental hazards caused by the mountains of garbage lying in the area.

Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, one of the protesters, said the dumping site had become a source of immense hardship for the local population. “The mountains of muck lying here have begun taking a toll on our health. Many residents are suffering from recurrent chest and throat infections due to the constant exposure to unhygienic conditions.”he said.

Bhat said the foul smell and pollution were not only affecting residents, but also shopkeepers and students, particularly those attending the nearby Women’s College. “We are unable to stay in classrooms due to the foul smell emanating from the site. It has become difficult to attend classes or even walk through the area without covering our faces,” a student said. Local shopkeepers echoed similar concerns, saying the stench had started to drive customers away, impacting their business and livelihood. “We have raised this issue with the authorities umpteen times, but no action has been taken so far,” said another protester. “We urge the administration to address the issue before the situation worsens.” The residents have appealed to the district authorities to shift the dumping site to a less populated area and implement proper waste management practices. Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully as the officials from the Municipal Council Pulwama assured them the site would be relocated soon.