Anantnag District Takes Bold Steps Towards Environmental Conservation

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag, October 17: In a visionary approach to promote innovation, coordination, and cooperation, Anantnag district is stepping up its efforts towards progress through sustainable development. The District Development Commissioner, of Anantnag, recently issued a comprehensive set of orders aimed at addressing the ecological challenges within the district. However, the order faced significant resistance and was flouted by officials tasked with cooperating in its implementation.

Notably, one of the directives issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag was a mandatory prohibition on open dumping or mixing garbage and litter in the district. The Deputy Commissioner empowered officials across various jurisdictions within the district, including executive officers of Municipal Committees, Block Development Officers, Block Medical Officers, and Executive Magistrates, to enforce fines in accordance with relevant legal provisions.

This order emphasized strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, aiming to urgently curb the rampant practice of open dumping of mixed garbage and litter along roadsides and public spaces within District Anantnag.

Regrettably, reports suggest that responsible officials have failed to implement this order effectively at the ground level. Consequently, residents continue to discard waste carelessly along roadsides and into rivers, posing a severe environmental challenge. It is imperative that these officials take this issue seriously and actively engage with the community to discourage such irresponsible disposal of waste.

Furthermore, despite a ban on the use of single-use plastic items in Anantnag, there is an alarming lack of enforcement. Single-use plastics are openly sold and littered, contributing to environmental pollution. The business community, in particular, has been observed selling goods in polythene bags, contrary to regulations.

To tackle these issues head-on, the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag has issued a strict and immediate ban on the act of throwing or dumping garbage and litter, as well as burning waste in public places. This prohibition extends to main roads, tourist spots, rivers, forests, and link roads. Everyone, including the general public, commuters, transporters, and tourists, is expected to comply with this mandate.

Additionally, all households are required to use proper dustbins within their compounds to systematically collect and segregate kitchen waste. An absolute prohibition has been declared on the use of single-use plastics.

The order is now in effect, and anyone found violating it will face severe legal consequences in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law. The Deputy Commissioner has made it clear that the order is non-negotiable, and strict adherence is expected from all concerned parties.

Meanwhile, Sources said that people are still dumping waste garbage along the road sides in various villages in the district.