Srinagar: Tons of industrial waste continues to be dumped into the Rambi Ara river as the SIDCO (State Industrial Development Corporation) Industrial area has been lacking a waste management plant since its inception in 1969.
Spanning over 6193 Kanals in south Kashmir’s Lassipora, the absence of a functional waste management system has triggered growing concerns among both unit holders and residents.
Sheikh Nisar, President of SIDCO, expressed his dismay over the situation, revealing, 'At our industrial plant, we don't have any waste management system in place. Our plant is home to approximately 117 processing units, which collectively generate tons of waste on a daily basis.'
Despite several waste management initiatives launched by the local administration, the SIDCO Lassipora industrial area remains devoid of an effective waste control facility.
“Although a Compact Treatment Plant (CTP) was installed to manage grading line wastewater, it is reportedly struggling to cope with the volume and variety of waste generated because the CTP is functional for certain units, such as milk and cold storage, but it is non-operational for other industries like leather, steel, aluminum, and rubber,” said Nisar.
When The Himalayan Post contacted Rafiq Ahmad, Manager Estates at SIDCO Lassipora, he said that they have already allocated 2 Kanals of land for industrial waste disposal.
However, the lack of a functional waste management facility is primarily due to “unfavourable circumstances.”
“Unit holders should refrain from dumping waste into the river and explore alternative options, such as free industrial premises,' he said.
While acknowledging the high number of complaints, he assured that a proper waste management system would be in place after the winter interval.