Dumping site turns health hazard in Tral’s Nagapathri
Locals decry disposal of dead animals, seek urgent action
Pulwama: Residents of Nagapathri area in Tral have raised alarm over the worsening condition of a local dumping site, alleging that it has evolved into a serious environmental and public health hazard due to unchecked waste disposal, including carcasses of dead animals.
Situated in the midst of a residential locality, the site has become a source of constant distress for inhabitants.
Locals complain of a persistent foul smell emanating from the area, making it difficult for families to even step outside their homes.
The situation has further deteriorated, they say, with the dumping of dead animals, which has not only intensified the stench but also attracted packs of stray dogs.
“This is no longer just a garbage dumping site—it has turned into a place where dead animals are being discarded. The smell is unbearable, and the increasing presence of stray dogs is a threat, particularly to children,” said a local resident.
Another local, Abdul Rashid, said the problem has been lingering for years but has worsened recently. “Earlier, only household waste was dumped here, but now even carcasses are thrown openly. We cannot keep our windows open due to the foul smell. It is becoming suffocating for us,” he said.
Residents also highlighted the growing menace of flies attributing it to the unhygienic environment created by the accumulated waste.
They fear that the area could soon witness the outbreak of diseases if immediate steps are not taken.
“The entire locality has become vulnerable. The stench, the mosquitoes, and the stray animals have made our lives miserable. We are worried about potential health risks. Authorities must intervene before the situation spirals out of control,” another resident said.
Shabnam Begum a local resident expressed concern for children and elderly people. “Children cannot play outside anymore, and elderly people are falling sick frequently. During evenings, mosquitoes become unbearable. We fear diseases will spread if this continues,” she said.
Locals further said that stray dogs gather in large numbers around the dumping site, posing a serious safety risk. “At night, it becomes difficult to walk past this area. The dogs get aggressive because of the waste and carcasses dumped here. This is a major safety concern,” said another youth from the locality.
Despite repeated complaints to the concerned authorities, residents allege that no effective measures have been implemented so far. They have urged the administration to relocate the dumping site away from the residential zone and introduce proper waste management practices to prevent further deterioration.
Meanwhile, Youth Congress leader Manpreet Singh Mani visited the area to assess the ground situation. During his interaction with residents, he assured them that their grievances would be taken up with the authorities concerned.
“It is deeply unfortunate that people are forced to live under such unhygienic conditions. Dumping dead animals in a residential area is unacceptable and poses serious health risks. I will raise this issue with the Block Development Officer and push for immediate action,” Mani said.
The residents have appealed to the district administration to treat the issue with urgency, warning that continued neglect could have severe repercussions for public health and sanitation in the area.
