Srinagar- The construction of an alleged “waste disposal structure” at Kijpora, Kangan by the Rural Development Department has left at least two government departments up in arms against the RDD.
The alleged “waste disposal structure” that is coming up near the Environment park in the environmentally fragile zone has raised alarm bells among locals and environmentalists.
On 3rd March, 2023, the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Office of the Mass Media Officer, Srinagar vide letter No: NMO/DEE/22-23/1064 has written to the block Development Officer, Kangan that the dumping of solid waste is going on unabated on the rear side of Environment park which is resulting in inconvenience to visitors besides adding to the dog menace.
“It is requested that dumping of solid waste be stopped forthwith as it is endangering the fragile ecosystem of the park and Sindh River. Early action is solicited” the letter states.
In another letter, the Executive Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Ganderbal on 3rd March,2023 has written to the Assistant Commissioner Development vide letter no: IFCD/GBL/7204-11 that the Rural Development Department, Kangan have started the construction of Waste Disposal Structure at Kijpora without seeking NOC from this Department.
“The said construction is being carried out 137m away from present water course of Sindh Nallah and is 42m away from present water course of Wangath Nallah”
“It is requested to direct the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) to stop the work till proper demarcation is received till subsequent report is received from the concerned quarters” the letter reads.
However, the concerned BDO said that he has received no such letters and negated the claims that the Department was constructing a “waste disposal structure.”
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, BDO Kangan Mohammad Arif denied the claims and said the land on which the construction is carried out is far away and the concerned tehsildar has provided the land extracts as well.
“Streams flow across Kangan. Does that mean we don’t have to construct anything. We don’t carry out any construction work until we get a nod from the Revenue Department” Arif said.
“We as a society are used to polluting water bodies, if you travel across Sindh, you will find trash all along the way. If we are taking steps to curb the menace, why are some people getting annoyed”
Arif further said that people think that we are constructing a dumping site, which is not the case.
“We are constructing a Segregation Shed in order to stop illegal dumping of waste. The Shed will host machines which will help in the scientific disposal of waste.
“This is not a waste disposal site.” He clarified.
“In order to clear the dumping site, we are constructing this structure” he added.
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