Div Com Kashmr meets senior GCC members; discusses Achan Landfill, flood risks, traffic bottlenecks, etc 

Srinagar – In response to rising public concern over deteriorating civic conditions, a high-level meeting was convened on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. The meeting was called to deliberate on a range of serious civic issues raised by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) J&K, a body of retired senior officials and domain experts.

The meeting witnessed the presence of key administrative officials including the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SMC Commissioner, engineers from UEED and allied departments, Director Health Services Kashmir, and SSP Traffic, among others.

The delegation from GCC-J&K was led by former Divisional Commissioner Mr. Naseem Lankar (Retd. IAS) and comprised noted members including Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili (Retd. Chief Engineer), Mr. Abdul Rashid Khan (IGP Retd), Dr. Farooq Ahmad Kaloo (Former Director, Animal Husbandry), Dr. Fiaz Fazili (Surgeon & Health Policy Expert), Er. Hakim Iftikhar (Former Chief Town Planner, J&K), Er. Iftikhar A. Drabu (WSP India, Head of Nordics ICRC), and Mohammad Rafi (Former Director Education and Dy. Commissioner, Secretary GCC-J&K).

Achan Landfill Declared Major Public Health Threat

A key issue raised was the Achan landfill site, which the GCC described as a grave environmental and public health hazard. They warned that residents of Eidgah, Lal Bazar, Soura, and even SKIMS hospital may be exposed to toxic gases emitting from the site. These gases, according to the GCC, could cause cancer, respiratory diseases, infertility, allergic conditions, and emit a persistent foul odor.

The group demanded that a scientific survey be undertaken to assess the levels of toxic gases in and around the affected localities. They also called for regular air quality monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and issuance of health safety guidelines in line with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.

Waste Mismanagement at Hyderpora Dumping Ground

The GCC flagged another critical issue of unregulated dumping near Jamkash in Hyderpora, where trucks have allegedly been disposing of waste without any control. Shockingly, the group noted that local women were seen rummaging through the waste without any protective gear, posing serious health and safety risks. The group urged immediate intervention to halt this unsafe practice.

Drainage, Flood Control, Unplanned Urbanisation

The GCC delegation also raised long-standing issues of poor drainage, broken sewer systems, illegal encroachments, and unregulated construction on farmland. They criticized the lack of urban planning, which they said has increased the risk of floods and chaotic expansion of the city. The need for strict enforcement of town planning laws and better inter-departmental coordination was underscored.

Traffic Bottlenecks and Regulation

Traffic congestion and bottlenecks were also discussed, particularly at Jehangir Chowk and Hyderpora Chowk, where the lack of regulation has become a daily nuisance for commuters. The group urged the traffic department to adopt modern traffic management techniques and create alternative routes to ease vehicular flow.

Food Safety Concerns

Rising concerns over food hygiene and safety were also brought to the table. The GCC demanded more frequent inspections of food items, greater scrutiny on additives, and strict compliance with health safety norms to prevent public health hazards.

Divisional Commissioner Responds Positively

The Divisional Commissioner assured the delegation that all the issues raised would be taken seriously and the concerned departments would be directed to act promptly. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing civic challenges in a coordinated and time-bound manner.

The meeting was described as a positive step towards a more accountable and responsive governance framework for Srinagar’s growing urban challenges.