Stinking City | Understanding and Remedying the Achan Situation

ONSET… Decades ago, the first vehicle - an old tractor with a carriage - arrived at the newly identified Achan waste dumping site identified by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). At that time, this site was considered an outlying area of Srinagar city, although in reality, it was right within the city limits.

The long-term consequences of having the spot as the dumping site were neither calculated nor considered. It was essentially a random choice made by the authorities, and it received full support from the chosen representatives of the local population at that time.

These representatives were not well-educated, and they had no idea how events would unfold. They believed this move would bring them recognition, but they couldn't foresee that it would turn their lives into a living nightmare, rendering their lands barren. They could never have imagined that the decision they embraced, even celebrating it like a grand achievement, would ultimately lead to a colossal disaster.

Since then, many lives have been lost, and many new lives have begun, but what remains is the waste dumping site. Its management has spiralled into disarray, poisoning the air and making it incredibly difficult to breathe. Those who perished and initially welcomed the establishment of the proposed waste dumping site could never have foreseen that they were essentially inviting a catastrophic transformation of not only their own area but also all the surrounding areas. Those who were born into this grim reality had no inkling of the harsh fate that awaited them. In hindsight, it has become painfully clear that the government at that time failed to conduct a thorough assessment of the potential consequences.

They forged ahead with their decision to deposit the city's waste without considering the tremendous quantity that would accumulate over time. What we witness at the Achan waste dumping site is a glaring failure on part of the authorities, manifesting itself not just in the physical environment but also in the air we breathe. The local population, on the other hand, has grown disheartened, no longer believing in their ability to influence change. Their efforts to push for the closure or relocation of the dumping site have ground to a halt, leaving them feeling utterly powerless. The failure of the authorities in effectively managing the waste dumping site, coupled with their largely ineffective measures, has led to a dire situation.

The noxious stench emanating from the site now stretches its foul fingers up to a radius of 10 kilometers, inflicting difficulty in breathing on thousands more people. It has encroached upon areas that were previously believed to be beyond the site's reach or influence. As one ventures down Dr. Ali Jan Road, the sight of commuters hurriedly rolling up their car windows has become a common occurrence. For the unfortunate locals who reside in these areas, the simple act of shutting their windows is not enough. This task becomes even more daunting during the scorching summer months when the waves of noxious odors intensify, suffocating entire areas and their inhabitants.

STRUGGLE

It's important to note that when the local residents finally grasped the extensive consequences of the waste dumping site, they indeed made a resolute decision to oppose the daily disposal of the city's waste and vehemently push for its permanent closure. However, by the time this realization dawned upon them, it was regrettably too late. Several years ago, the local community initiated a robust protest campaign aimed at achieving the shutdown of the dumping site.

This agitation, which persisted for several weeks, disrupted the regular transportation of waste by blocking the entire Dr. Ali Jan Road, thereby preventing the waste-laden trucks from reaching their destination. While this action temporarily halted waste transportation, it inadvertently triggered a crisis within the city as trash began accumulating on the roadsides. This occurred primarily because the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) lacked viable alternatives for waste disposal.

Furthermore, the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of waste dumping in other regions left the authorities with few options. The agitation, regrettably, proved to be short-lived. Initially, meetings were convened with local representatives, who were given assurances that the quantity of waste being deposited at the site would be reduced, and they were urged to permit this until authorities identified a suitable alternative. For a brief period, the waste volume did decrease, but this reprieve was short-lived, and the situation soon reverted to its previous state. An unforeseen turn of events brought the agitation to an end.

The promised alternative, essentially a stalling tactic, failed to materialize. Once again, everything resumed its normal course, with the authorities striving to mitigate the adverse effects of the dumping site, particularly focusing on curtailing the foul odors. However, these efforts, too, ended in disappointment. The matter was even before the NGT, way back; there were even some people who were following the proceedings for quite some time, but then, all of it suddenly died. The authorities were asked to take corrective measures to minimize the effects and make the dumping site eco-friendly. But what happened then, no one knows. Did the authorities ensure the corrective measures? No one knows. Did the NGT follow up on the matter? Who cares?

FAILURES

Under the ambitious Srinagar Smart City Project, the authorities have embarked on a transformation of the city with the goal of making it smarter, enhancing urban utilities, and offering residents and visitors a unique and improved experience. Undoubtedly, this initiative was long overdue and essential for the city's progress. However, it is a glaring oversight that the plan did not encompass a solution to address the pressing issue of the Achan dumping site, which has now grown into a severe nuisance.

Beyond the glaring aesthetic concerns, the detrimental effects of the dumping site have taken a significant toll on the health and well-being of the individuals residing in its proximity. As we gather information, it becomes apparent that the Srinagar Smart City Project has thus far offered no comprehensive strategy to tackle this pressing problem. If such a solution were available, it should have been swiftly implemented, for making the affected areas habitable is undeniably a matter of paramount importance, overshadowing other priorities.

Regrettably, as time has passed, it has become increasingly evident that the elected representatives, from the concerned ex-MLA to the current Srinagar Mayor, have struggled to formulate a coherent policy or exert sufficient pressure on the authorities to resolve the pressing issue that affects thousands of residents and tarnishes the city's overall aesthetic appeal. The noxious stench now reaches the serene shores of Nigeen Lake, where tourists come to relish their stay and savor the natural beauty, only to have their experience marred by an overwhelming wave of unbearable odour.

In a broader perspective, it can be stated that while the authorities have failed, even now, to address the issues, those who had the power to bring about changes also did nothing. What is, however, true, is that those who present themselves as representatives of the people in the area facing the wrath and those from the adjoining areas will be soon seen actively holding gatherings, trying to convince people that they will resolve their issues, begging to be brought back to power. But for those who could not accomplish anything in several decades, how is it possible for them to make any difference now? This is something that people must take note of and consider wisely when offering their support in the upcoming elections.

HEALTH HAZARDS

During the summer, it becomes difficult for people living in the area to breathe. There is a wide range of insects flying around, acting as carriers of diseases. To mitigate these effects, the authorities used to distribute specific repellents among the population. To combat the stench, odor control measures were a daily affair. However, all of this has ceased to exist, with authorities now only managing the dumping of garbage. The consequences of sustained exposure to the stench are evident, and the use of medicines to treat stomach-related issues has become rampant among the residents. In addition to other diseases, stomach ailments are now a common occurrence.

The health toll of the dumping site has been ignored so far, and there is a pressing need for targeted research to determine the extent of its effects on the local population. As the local population remains engulfed in these issues, the effects of the mismanaged dumping site are spreading to several other areas. The land surrounding the walled dumping site, which used to be fertile paddy land, has become barren.

According to local accounts, the trees that were planted there have died due to the toxicity underneath. This effect is not insignificant; rather, it is widespread, rendering the land uncultivable and leaving the landowners with virtually nothing. A range of these effects has gone unnoticed over time, with the residents seemingly accepting the status quo. On the other side of the dumping site, with mounds of garbage clearly visible due to the uncontrolled and untreated waste, lies the premier healthcare institution of J&K, SKIMS Soura, where patients are treated for various ailments.

The stench even reaches there, raising questions about the lack of vision, planning, and corrective measures from those in charge. If insiders are to be believed, the authorities did attempt various measures to bring the situation under control, but all failed. Whether it's waste segregation or the treatment of toxic water, which contributes to the foul smell, everything has proven ineffective, with no accountability from the higher-ups.

COURSE CORRECTION

While we will discuss possible measures that can be taken to address the issue, for now, there is a need to look back in time and ascertain how and why the dumping site was established there. Once it was set up, what was the initial vision, and were there any action plans or steps framed to guide its development? Returning to the recent past, when it appeared that things were spiralling out of control and a policy was needed to manage and ensure the effective functioning of the dumping site, what specific actions were taken? If measures were implemented, why did they fail despite significant expenditure from the state exchequer? And why weren't there trials or pilot projects before the actual implementation of these measures? Trials would have uncovered potential issues and allowed experts to ensure that the measures taken align with the actual needs on the ground. There is a pressing need for the government to order a comprehensive investigation into the points mentioned above and to ensure accountability.

Those responsible for the mismanagement over the years should be held accountable promptly. The Government bears a crucial responsibility in ensuring the well-being and health of its citizens, particularly those residing in the vicinity of the dumping site. To fulfill this duty, a comprehensive audit is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of the dumping site. This audit should be conducted by a panel of field experts who can meticulously study the site, identify the existing shortcomings, and propose necessary changes and corrective measures.

It is evident that the time has come for the Government to confront this issue and refrain from turning a blind eye to its significant impact. The Government must align its actions with established principles of eco-conservation and the scientific disposal of waste. This not only safeguards human health but also protects the environment. The effects of the current situation at the Achan dumping site of the SMC are far-reaching and detrimental.

Sadly, there is a lack of eco-conservation at this site, and the individuals living in the vicinity endure severe hardships. They are unjustly deprived of the fundamental human right to breathe clean and fresh air, representing a grave violation of their human rights. The Government must address this issue urgently and take meaningful steps to rectify the situation.

SOME ACTION

Recently, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) initiated a waste segregation program where they focus on segregating waste at its source. This effort involves deploying a fleet of vehicles to transport segregated waste from the source to the dumping site, ostensibly for proper treatment. However, what happens to the waste once it arrives at the site remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The treatment process and its effectiveness are unknown, raising questions about the final disposal and environmental impact. Simultaneously, recent reports indicate that the SMC has collaborated with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Jammu to explore the possibilities of bio-mining at the Achan dumping site.

According to official accounts, the project has undergone scrutiny and appears to be an effective solution. It has been submitted to the Government of India for approval and subsequent release of funds to implement the project. However, as of now, there has been no update regarding whether the project has received approval.

Nevertheless, experts believe that if implemented, this measure could be a game-changer in waste management. Bio-mining, also referred to as bioremediation or bioleaching, is an eco-friendly and sustainable technique designed to manage and remediate various types of waste, particularly solid waste found in landfills and dumpsites. This innovative process utilizes microorganisms, primarily bacteria, to break down, metabolize, and transform both organic and inorganic waste materials into less harmful or inert substances. The process involves a series of steps, offering numerous advantages, including a reduced environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and a reduction in landfill waste volume. Bio-mining is especially effective for organic waste and specific types of industrial waste. It holds great promise as an approach to manage waste sustainably, potentially contributing to the remediation of polluted sites and the recovery of valuable resources from waste materials.

THE WAY FORWARD

The Achan dumping site is a pressing issue that demands attention. Concurrently, waste collection, segregation, and treatment have been problematic areas in J&K, which require immediate redress. Implementing eco-friendly waste treatment and management practices is paramount for reducing the environmental impact of waste and promoting sustainability. Learning from globally recognized best practices in eco-friendly waste treatment and management is necessary and should be implemented to resolve this issue definitively.

One exemplary practice is source segregation, already initiated in at least Srinagar. Residents, businesses, and industries should be encouraged to segregate waste at its source. This practice involves separating recyclables, organic waste, and hazardous materials from general waste to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. Simultaneously, the government needs to establish recycling policies and facilities.

Additionally, recycling programs should be in place to promote material reuse, such as paper, glass, plastics, and metals, reducing the demand for new resources. Composting is another valuable approach that can be implemented to promote the composting of organic waste, like food scraps and yard trimmings, producing nutrient-rich compost for agricultural and gardening purposes.

This reduces the volume of organic waste going to landfills. Furthermore, Waste-to-Energy technologies should be considered, as they convert non-recyclable waste into energy, such as electricity or heat, effectively reducing waste volume while producing clean energy. To encourage responsible product design, the government can explore Extended Producer Responsibility policies, holding manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life disposal and recycling of their products and packaging.

This policy encourages producers to design products with recyclability in mind. Landfill diversion is a critical concept aiming to divert waste from landfills by recycling, reusing, or repurposing materials. It explores alternative disposal methods like landfill mining or bio-mining to recover resources from existing landfill sites. Notably, the Achan dumping site has never undergone a waste audit in all these decades, which should raise concerns regarding its effectiveness, safety, and management.

Those responsible for managing the dumping site must be asked questions because they have been risking the lives of thousands of people over the years. It must also be said that the foundation of the Achan dumping site was flawed as it lacked the necessary assessment as well as a documented action plan, which ultimately led the population to the point where they see migration to some far-off place as the only way out.

The policymakers and think tanks must engage in brainstorming to work out a viable solution which will not only protect the environment but also ensure the safety and well-being of humans. It is time for some action. It is high time to ensure that Srinagar city has an effective waste management and treatment model that other districts can emulate, as they might also face similar challenges with population growth. Leveraging technology is vital to make Srinagar a smarter city with more efficient waste management.

By Shaykh Mukhtar

The author can be reached at: kohimaraan@gmail.com