SRINAGAR: The Government of India’s recent report on waste management has revealed that Jammu and Kashmir is making strides in tackling its waste disposal challenges. As per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s response in the Rajya Sabha on February 6, 2025, waste management in Jammu and Kashmir has seen consistent efforts to increase waste collection and processing over the past five years, with more improvements planned.
According to data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jammu and Kashmir generated 1,550 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste in 2021-22, with 1,540 TPD collected. However, only 606 TPD was processed, highlighting a significant gap in waste treatment. The processing figures for the previous year, 2020-21, show 1,437.28 TPD collected and 547.5 TPD processed, further underlining the challenges faced by the region in handling its growing waste volume.
The Ministry’s response outlined several waste management rules aimed at addressing such challenges, including the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) and the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), which are part of a national effort to enhance waste treatment across all states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir. The report also mentioned that the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, which focus on mandatory recycling targets for plastic and e-waste, is expected to help reduce the waste burden in the region.
Future plans to improve waste management in Jammu and Kashmir include developing new business models, technological solutions, and enhancing public engagement through awareness programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission. Public participation, especially in waste segregation at source, is a critical component of the region’s efforts to improve recycling rates and processing efficiency.
