Overflowing dumping shed triggers health concerns in Lurgam Aripal
Locals demand attention of higher ups
Pulwama: The residents of Lurgam Aripal in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are grappling with a growing public health and sanitation crisis as the area’s dumping shed continues to overflow with garbage, allegedly due to prolonged official neglect.
Locals said the dumping site has not been properly cleared or maintained for several months, resulting in heaps of waste spilling onto the surrounding area.
The accumulation of garbage has created an unhygienic atmosphere, with a persistent foul smell, attracting stray animals and insects, and raising fears of the spread of infectious diseases.
According to residents, repeated representations have been made to the concerned authorities, including the Tehsildar and other senior officials, urging them to address the issue on an urgent basis. However, they allege that despite continuous follow-ups since 2024, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“We have approached every possible office and submitted complaints several times, but nothing has changed on the ground,” said a local resident. “The garbage is piling up day by day, and the stench has made it difficult for us to even step outside our homes.”
Another resident expressed concern over the health implications, especially for children and the elderly. “Flies, mosquitoes and stray dogs are everywhere. We fear an outbreak of diseases if this continues. Our children are the worst affected,” the resident said.
The situation, locals added, becomes even more alarming during warmer days, when the decomposing waste emits a stronger smell and increases the risk of infections. Residents also complained that waste often spills beyond the shed, contaminating nearby paths and residential areas.
The aggrieved residents have now made an urgent appeal to the district administration and concerned BDO office to intervene immediately. They have demanded prompt removal of the accumulated garbage, regular sanitation drives, and a sustainable waste management mechanism to prevent the recurrence of such conditions.
“If immediate steps are not taken, this negligence could turn into a serious health emergency,” locals warned, urging the authorities to treat the matter as a priority in the interest of public health and environmental safety.
