by
Mir Saifullah Bashir
SRINAGAR: Growing concern has emerged among residents over the continued dumping of garbage near a water body and a religious site along the Haipora–Chotigam road in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, with locals alleging that the waste has remained uncleared for months despite repeated appeals to the authorities.
The dumping site, located close to a natural water body and a revered Zeyarat Shareef, has become a source of concern for residents, commuters and schoolchildren who use the road regularly. Locals said heaps of waste scattered along the roadside and adjoining land have not been removed for an extended period, creating unhygienic conditions and affecting the area’s appearance.
Residents warned that the accumulation of garbage has led to foul odours, increased breeding of mosquitoes and flies, and the movement of stray animals around the site, raising fears of the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during the summer months.
Environmental concerns have also been raised due to the site’s proximity to a water body. Locals fear that leachate and waste runoff could contaminate the water source, posing risks to public health and causing long-term damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
The issue has also triggered resentment among members of the local community, who said the dumping of waste near a religious shrine undermines the sanctity of the site and hurts religious sentiments.
Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, no effective measures have been taken to clear the waste or establish a regular waste management system in the area. They called on the district administration and concerned departments to intervene immediately, remove the accumulated garbage and ensure proper sanitation measures.
Locals further urged authorities to strengthen waste collection mechanisms, enforce sanitation regulations and conduct public awareness campaigns to prevent indiscriminate dumping near water bodies, public roads and religious sites.
