Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 3: In violation of the rules, there is no solid waste management policy for schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
Solid waste production and disposal is one of the most serious environmental problems, given its high negative impact on natural resources. Surprisingly there is no solid waste management policy in place for schools though they are one of the largest producers of solid waste.
"With no large space for dumping the waste, the heaps of waste in the abandoned corners behind the school buildings emanate foul smell," said a teacher from a government boys school.
Over the years the government has framed several environment laws like 'Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Move-ment) Rules 2016, the Bio Medical Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, Solid waste management rules, 2016, the Batteries (Management) Rules 2016, J&K Non-biodegradable material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, the Jammu and Kashmir Brick Kiln (Regulation) Act, 2010 and Rules.
An official from a leading school in the valley said, "Segregation is the first step in waste management but is rarely implemented. All waste is usually dumped together in a pit, often in some corner or behind school buildings."
He said, "It is regularly burnt too. Some of the organic waste finds its way under trees and plants. However, there is incinerator for destroying sanitary napkins that adds to our woes."
Schools with ample grounds routinely make do with such practices, but those with little land are left grappling with mounds of waste.
Another staffer from the government school said, "All the waste lying around is an eyesore, not to mention that it attracts pests."
To aggravate the problem, the amount of plastic waste in schools generated on days when examinations are held is substantial.
Further, the schools near residential areas complain that waste collected on street corners is dragged by canines to their gates at night.
Some teachers also allege that Corporation workers burn plastic and other waste near school premises.
They echoed, "School staff have to take the initiative for managing as much waste as possible. Students, they argue, will not be serious about waste management if they don't see it being practised in their own institutions."
An official of SMC said, "We always collect the waste in segregated form. The corporation also apprises the new schools registered with us about the hazards of the waste and how to manage it."
An official of PCB said that there is no separate solid waste management policy for schools.
He said, "There is no such policy as such. The waste generated by the schools is handled by the Municipal Corporation. Besides, waste is not much of concern for us as it isn't hazardous in nature." |
