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JAMMU: The municipal solid waste generated in Udhampur town is being scientifically collected and transported to a designated dumping site at Mand, which is not located in proximity to any river body, including the Tawi River.

This information was provided by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, on behalf of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in response to a question raised by Legislator Pawan Kumar Gupta regarding solid waste management in the town.

The Minister apprised the House that there is no indiscriminate dumping of waste along riverbeds or riverbanks. She added that necessary measures, including periodic spraying of bio-culture, are being undertaken at the Mand site to facilitate environmentally sound decomposition of waste.

She further informed that Udhampur town generates approximately 50 tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste. A waste processing facility with a capacity of 5 TPD has already been established at Sui Chakar. However, she noted that following flash floods in August 2025, the approach road to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) centre was damaged, leading to suspension of segregation and processing of dry and wet waste. ā€œThe operations shall be restored once the approach road to the MRF centre is made functional,ā€ she said.

The Minister stated that a solid waste processing plant was sanctioned for Udhampur in 2010-11 at ā‚¹11.25 crore with ā‚¹1 crore released. A DPR was also prepared but the project was stalled due to lack of suitable land, he added.

The Minister further stated that the Municipal Council Udhampur is providing segregated door-to-door garbage collection services to the residents. The designated dumping site at Mand is being utilized for scientific waste management practices, including controlled deposition of waste and periodic application of bio-culture to accelerate decomposition.

She also informed that in 2019, on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the J&K Pollution Control Board imposed an environmental compensation of ā‚¹1.39 crore on the Municipal Council, Udhampur. However, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department has since taken corrective measures and addressed the deficiencies, improving the civic amenities in the town.

The Minister added that installation of a 50 TPD trommel at the existing processing facility has been proposed and the tendering process for the same has already been initiated.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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