Omar Abdullah govt approves Rs 361 crore waste management project in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 14 (IANS) The J&K Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday approved a Rs 361 crore solid waste management project in the Achan area of Srinagar district.

An official statement said that the Council of Ministers, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has accorded approval for the establishment of an 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management Project at Achan, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 361 crore.

The decision was taken during the sixth meeting of the Council of Ministers with the objective of strengthening scientific waste management infrastructure in Srinagar and ensuring sustainable disposal and processing of municipal solid waste in an environmentally responsible manner.

The proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management Project aims to enhance Srinagar city's waste processing capacity through modern, efficient systems for the collection, segregation, treatment, and disposal of solid waste.

The project is expected to significantly improve sanitation standards, reduce environmental pollution, and contribute to cleaner, healthier urban surroundings.

The establishment of the facility at Achan is also expected to support long-term urban planning and environmental sustainability efforts, while addressing the city's growing waste management needs amid rapid urban expansion and population growth.

In another important decision, the Cabinet also approved the upgradation of the Sub-District Hospital Hazratbal by granting relaxation of buffer zone restrictions under the Srinagar Master Plan–2035.

The decision was taken to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery to enhance patient care.

The project had remained stalled for several years due to various obstacles arising from restrictions under the buffer zone provisions, causing considerable inconvenience to the public.

With Thursday’s approval, the Hazratbal hospital is expected to be equipped with expanded infrastructure and improved medical facilities, including blood bank services, operation theatres and specialised treatment facilities for various ailments.

--IANS

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