SRINAGAR: The Achan Waste Management Facility, which handles approximately 550 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, has exceeded its landfill capacity, holding over eleven lakh metric tonnes of waste due to delays in the waste-to-energy project. To address this, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has launched a major modernisation drive under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, with plans to achieve one hundred per cent scientific waste management by 2027 through new waste processing facilities, bio-mining, and decentralised waste management initiatives, the government told the assembly on Monday.
Established in 1986, the Achan site initially functioned as a landfill but has since evolved into a critical waste processing hub for Srinagar. Located in a densely populated area, it has long faced challenges related to odour and environmental concerns, affecting the health of nearby residents, particularly those in downtown Srinagar. In response, the municipal corporation has taken several measures to mitigate these issues. Regular applications of anti-odour chemicals and bio-enzymes, alongside improved aeration and controlled layering of waste, have been introduced to minimise anaerobic decomposition, a primary cause of odour.
A leachate treatment plant has been made operational to manage and treat liquid waste, ensuring that contaminated water is properly processed before disposal to prevent groundwater and soil pollution. A green buffer zone has been developed around the landfill as part of a long-term environmental strategy, with 3,200 trees planted to act as a natural barrier against odour and dust. Regular fumigation and spraying of eco-friendly disinfectants are carried out to control the spread of harmful bacteria and pests, while continuous water sprinkling helps suppress dust and improve air quality. Waste compaction and scientific layering techniques have been implemented to minimise direct exposure of waste to the environment, reducing both odour and leachate production.
The municipal corporation has also strengthened its environmental monitoring system, conducting regular air and water quality assessments and establishing a grievance redressal mechanism for local residents. Under the modernisation programme, key projects include a material recovery facility, a refuse-derived fuel plant, an Internet of Things-based waste management system, and a compressed bio-gas plant. Additionally, bio-mining of legacy waste is being carried out to reclaim land occupied by accumulated waste.
Given that the Achan site has exceeded its landfill capacity, steps are being taken to reduce the city’s dependence on it. The corporation is setting up garbage transfer stations to facilitate decentralised waste handling and minimise direct landfill dumping. A construction and demolition waste processing plant is being implemented to handle debris efficiently and promote material reuse. Expansion of material recovery facilities and composting units is also underway to enhance waste segregation, recycling, and organic waste processing at the local level.
Scientific closure of legacy waste dumps is being planned using bio-mining and sanitary landfilling techniques to reclaim land and minimise environmental hazards. Decentralised waste processing, including composting and pre-sorting units, is being prioritised to optimise resource recovery. With these interventions, the municipal corporation aims to eliminate open dumping at Achan by 2027 and establish a sustainable, integrated waste management system for Srinagar.
