Srinagar, Feb 12 (KNS): With Kashmir generating over 6650 metric tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) material annually, there is no mechanism in place for its collection and disposal.
According to an official document, the total C&D waste generated in Kashmir for the year 2018-2019 was 6650.28 metric tonnes per annum (MTA).
The construction and demolition waste management rules 2016 apply to every waste resulting from construction, re-modeling, repair and demolition of any civil structure of individual or organization or authority who generates construction and demolition waste such as building materials, debris and rubble.
However, in absence of any collection and disposal of C&D waste, the waste is being dumped on unused vacant lands, along river banks, the document says.
“The waste is disposed off by owners themselves on completion of construction work as per municipal authorities and only unclaimed waste is transported by local bodies,” it reads.
It says, “There is no progress as far as identification of sites is concerned for processing of C&D waste.”
The urban local bodies (ULBs) are responsible for the management of construction and demolition waste.
An official at the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) told KNS, “As per the rules, the ULBs should chalk out stages, methodology and equipment, material involved in the overall activity and final clean up after completion of the C&D waste.”
He said, “By dumping the waste along the river banks can prove detrimental. The waste has increased amount of dust load which can deteriorate the water quality. It erodes over a period of time and can increase turbidity.”
He added as per rules, the municipal corporations are bound to identify a separate landfill site for the proper disposing off of C&D waste. They are currently in process of identifying some sites for the waste.” (KNS)