Relief for residents as garbage site in Pulwama closed after years of protests

Pulwama, Jun 19: Authorities in south Kashmirís Pulwama town Thursday closed a troubled garbage dumping site, bringing relief to residents who had raised health and environmental concerns for years.

The Municipal Council Pulwama closed the site located in Dangerpora along the townís circular road, following repeated complaints from residents, traders, and students over the foul smell and unsanitary conditions.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council, Wali Muhammad told Greater Kashmir that the site had become a public nuisance. ìIt has now been shut and will soon be relocated,î he said, thanking the Deputy Commissioner (DC) for his support in the matter.

He urged residents not to dispose of household waste at the now-closed site.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, former Municipal Councillor Aijaz Ahmad Dhobi said locals had protested against the site several times over the past five years.

ìWe are thankful to the district administration. Now finally it has been shut,î he said, urging authorities to convert the space into a green area.

Shazia, a student at a nearby degree college, welcomed the move.

ìThe overpowering stench from the dumping site used to pervade the entire area. We often had to hold our noses while passing by,î she said. ìIt is a good decision.î

The business community in the area said that they suffered recurring chest diseases and other infections due to the dumping site over the last few years.

They termed the decision as a big relief for them.