Intensifying its crackdown on violators of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016, the Municipal Council in Sopore has issued notices to 85 violators and collected fines amounting to Rs 73,000 from erring individuals and businesses.
The actions were part of enhancing sanitation standards and enforcing solid waste management regulations across the north Kashmir town, officials said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the council, Dr Showket Ahmed Bhat said that despite the challenges in maintaining sanitation, the department has been rigorously working to ensure cleanliness in the town.
He said that during the financial year 2024 till date, they penalised over 85 violators who failed to adhere to SWM regulations. “We collected a fine amounting to Rs 73,000. Those penalised include hoteliers, food outlets, shopkeepers and industrial units,” he said.
The CEO further informed that around 70% of the town’s sanitation concerns have been addressed, with door-to-door garbage collection now being actively implemented. “We have been making significant efforts to improve sanitation and people have started availing these services. This progress has been possible due to the dedication of our team,” he added.
Sopore, once plagued by heaps of garbage accumulating at frequent intervals across the main markets and public spaces, has witnessed considerable improvement in waste management.
Bhat, however, cautioned residents against dumping garbage along roadsides and market areas, warning of strict legal action against defaulters. He urged them to cooperate with sanitation efforts and abide by SWM rules to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
The town currently depends on an integrated solid waste management facility at Jetty, Baramulla, as it lacks its own waste processing facility despite being a major business hub and one of the highest tax-paying townships in north Kashmir.
The Municipal Council said it has been consistently urging higher authorities to establish a dedicated waste management facility in Sopore to streamline the process further—(KNO)
