Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Oct 11: Authorities on Saturday swung into action and cleared the accumulated waste along the Sopore–Kupwara highway at Shangergund Model Town, pressing men and machinery into service from early morning hours.
The action comes a day after KNO highlighted the garbage menace along the stretch.
Officials said that over 10 dumpers of waste were lifted from the site after a prompt sanitation drive was launched by the Municipal Council Sopore, even though the stretch lies beyond its jurisdiction.
“We couldn’t afford to let the highway remain in such a condition. Despite being outside MC limits, we took responsibility and cleared the waste to restore cleanliness,” a senior administrative official said.
The official further said that strict action will now follow against those involved in illegal dumping of waste along the highway. “We will take up the installation of CCTV cameras at key locations to identify and penalize habitual dumpers. Action will be taken under rules and we will ensure no one turns the stretch into a dump again,” the official added.
A senior administrative official also confirmed that the stay on the proposed dumping site has been disposed of, and the matter has already been taken up with the Divisional Commissioner’s office for final approval. “The process of establishing a permanent waste disposal site for Sopore is underway. Once finalized, it will provide a lasting solution to the town’s long-pending sanitation problem,” he said.
Locals, meanwhile, welcomed the cleanup effort following media coverage, but urged the authorities to focus on sustainable waste management. “Cleaning after media reports helps temporarily. What Sopore needs is a proper waste site and accountability against those who dump garbage irresponsibly,” said a local resident—(KNO)
