SRINAGAR: The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) has made waste segregation and authorised garbage collection mandatory for households and commercial establishments within its jurisdiction, while prohibiting littering, open waste burning and the discharge of untreated sewage into Manasbal Lake.
In a public notice issued by the Authority, residents, shopkeepers, restaurant owners, hotels, institutions and other commercial establishments have been directed to follow prescribed sanitation and waste management guidelines to protect the lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
Under the new arrangements, households and commercial establishments must hand over their daily waste exclusively to designated sanitation staff and authorised collection vehicles of the Rural Development Department, Block Safapora, at the notified time and place.
The Authority has also made segregation at source compulsory, requiring wet and biodegradable waste to be separated from dry and non-biodegradable waste. Mixing the two categories has been prohibited.
The notice prohibits dumping garbage, plastic, polythene, construction debris and other waste materials along roads, footpaths, open spaces, the lake periphery, drains, water bodies, parks and tourist spots. Burning garbage, plastic and other solid waste in open or public spaces has also been banned.
Shopkeepers, restaurant owners, dhaba operators, vendors and other commercial establishments have been directed to maintain cleanliness within their premises and adjoining areas and ensure proper arrangements for waste storage, segregation and disposal.
Institutions and organisers of public events have also been instructed to ensure proper collection and disposal of waste generated during functions and restore the premises to a clean condition immediately after the events.
In a separate direction aimed at protecting Manasbal Lake, the Authority has prohibited the discharge of untreated sewage, kitchen wastewater and other liquid waste into the lake, adjoining drains, water channels, wetlands and public spaces.
Households, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments and institutions have been asked to ensure proper collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and wastewater. They must also maintain septic tanks, soak pits and other sanitation facilities and ensure that collected sewage and sludge are transported and disposed of only through authorised facilities.
The WMDA has warned that violations will invite penal action under the applicable provisions of the J&K Development Act, Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and other relevant laws.
Action may include fines, penalties, notices and further legal proceedings before the competent authorities.
The Authority has directed concerned officials and sanitation staff to maintain strict vigilance and report violations for necessary action.
Calling for public cooperation, the WMDA said maintaining the cleanliness of Manasbal Lake and its surrounding tourist areas was a collective responsibility and warned that acts causing environmental damage or defacement of the tourist destination would not be tolerated.
