Srinagar, 08-Sep: Expressing concern over the government’s alleged failure to relocate Achan dumping site from Soura on the city outskirts, residents living around it claimed that the pungent smell emanating from 350 metric tons waste has made their life a virtual hell.Imam-i-hai of historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Syed Ahmed Naqshbandi has said that the residents of Achan are facing an impending disaster as it comes with a disgusting stench and serious health hazards as mountains of garbage can are seen in the area and the stench from these is simply overpowering.In Saidpora Achhan Eid Gah, Srinagar, garbage and filth brought from different parts of the city dumped there is turning into a growing reservoir. As a result, half a million people belonging to the city have been forced to relocate due to its infection and stench.The aggrieved residents said that dumping of waste at Achan by Srinagar Municipal Corporation was making their life miserable due to a pungent smell emanating from there.”We want the government to close the garbage dump,” the residents said.In a statement received by CNS, Imam-e-hai Syed Ahmad Naqshbandi said that the dumping site at Achan Eid Gah spreads over six acres of land and in more than 100 vehicles; city’s garbage is dumped on a daily basis for the last forty years. “There is such a stench and it is a source of torment for the people living in the surrounding areas,” he said.We are already suffering from multiple health problems and deprived of fresh air but it seems that the government is least bothered to address this long pending demand of the people. There is an unbearable stench coming out.He said that the stench is the result of lack of proper management of more than 350 metric tons of daily solid waste collected by the SMC which is dumped in Achan grounds.”The unbearable stench emanating from the Achan garbage dump has made life miserable for thousands of residents of downtown Srinagar and its adjoining areas.The stench spreads so much in the area in the morning and evening that it is impossible for people to get out of their houses while the windows and doors of the houses have to be kept closed continuously. He further added that although the authorities repeatedly appealed to relocate the dumping site, no action has been initiated yet. The stench is the result of lack of proper management of more than 350 metric tons of daily solid waste collected by the SMC which is dumped in Achan grounds.”The unbearable stench emanating from the Achan garbage dump has made life miserable for thousands of residents of downtown Srinagar and its adjoining areas.“Even a layman can find how bad the situation is and how the foul smell and other waste material is a health hazard for the inhabitants. It is not only the population of thousands that is suffering but the famous Anchar lake , prestigious SKIMS and the valuable agriculture land have also become affected because of the problem,” he said Imam-i-hai has appealed Lieutenant Governor of Jammu Kashmir and other concerned officials to personally intervene in this issue, so that residents can get rid of this deadly infection and stench.(CNS)
