Govt not serious on solid waste disposal: BJP MLA

BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Saturday, accusing the government of a non-serious attitude after he did not receive a “satisfactory reply” to his question regarding the scientific disposal of solid waste in his constituency.

Sharma had raised concerns about the dumping of solid waste in Kot Bhalwal village, located in his Jammu North constituency and requested steps to shift the waste to an alternative site. Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who was replying in the absence of the minister concerned, informed the House that Kot Bhalwal is designated as the site for scientific solid waste management. “Kot Bhalwal is the site of our scientific solid waste management. The site is being developed for scientific processing of waste through the NAFED,” she stated.

However, the minister responded negatively to two related questions raised by Sharma, including those concerning the health risks posed to local residents and the progress made on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for waste disposal management.

Sharma expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, saying, “What I have asked and what they have replied...the Smart City project rules give emphasis on scientific solid waste management, but this dumping site is posing a health risk to the locals and the government is saying there is no such issue.” He then proceeded to stage a walkout from the Assembly.