SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has faced a significant shortfall in the release of funds for waste management under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with only Rs 642.59 crore disbursed against an allocation of Rs 1481.43 crore over the past five years. This disparity between allocated and actual funds is detailed in the latest data presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on February 10, 2025.
According to government records, Jammu and Kashmir was allocated Rs 1481.43 crore under both Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) for the last five years. However, only Rs 642.59 crore has been released during this period. The data highlights a substantial gap in the execution of waste management policies in the Union Territory, impacting efforts to improve waste collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure.
As per official figures, Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 140.67 crore under SBM-U despite an allocation of Rs 630.53 crore. Similarly, under SBM-G, the allocation stood at Rs 850.9 crore, but only Rs 501.92 crore was released. The shortfall in funding has raised concerns about the effectiveness of waste management initiatives, particularly in addressing landfill burdens and scientific waste disposal.
A year-wise breakdown of fund allocation and release shows inconsistencies throughout the five years. In 2019-20, the allocation was Rs 251.73 crore, while the actual release stood at Rs 120.45 crore. The following year, 2020-21, saw an allocation of Rs 310.12 crore, but only Rs 132.78 crore was disbursed. In 2021-22, Rs 289.67 crore was earmarked, yet just Rs 125.34 crore reached the Union Territory. The trend continued in 2022-23, with an allocation of Rs 342.91 crore against a release of Rs 141.25 crore. In 2023-24, the allocation peaked at Rs 287 crore, but only Rs 122.77 crore was made available. These figures highlight a persistent shortfall that has hindered progress in waste management efforts.
The Ministry acknowledged that sanitation and waste management remain the responsibility of state and urban local bodies, with the central government playing a supportive role through policy direction, technical assistance, and financial aid. However, the disparity in fund disbursement underscores the challenges faced in achieving a sustainable waste management system in the region.
Overall, India generates 1.62 lakh metric tonnes of solid waste daily, with approximately 80.39 per cent of it being processed. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, which was launched in 2021, efforts are being made to remediate legacy waste dumpsites and improve waste processing infrastructure. While 2417 dumpsites have been identified for remediation nationwide, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, progress remains slow due to financial and logistical hurdles.
The figures for Jammu and Kashmir reveal a pressing need for better fund utilisation and an accelerated approach to waste management. As the region grapples with the challenges of urbanisation and environmental sustainability, stakeholders are calling for the timely release and effective use of allocated resources to ensure a cleaner and healthier future.
