Urban sanitation remains one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite years of policy focus and targeted initiatives, many cities and towns in the Union Territory continue to struggle with managing waste and sewage effectively. A recent affidavit submitted by the J&K administration to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlights both progress made and the work that still lies ahead. It reveals that 21 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are yet to have any solid waste processing facilities, while a huge 22.52 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste remains piled up across various sites, a reminder of how much more needs to be done to build a cleaner and healthier urban future.
While there has been improvement, with 52 ULBs now having some form of waste processing setup compared to 32 in October 2024, the gap remains significant. Even in major urban centres like Srinagar and Jammu, processing capacity is only partial. The government has set a target of achieving 100% waste processing across all ULBs by June 2026 and in Srinagar by March 2027. Yet, legacy waste continues to pose a daunting challenge. Only 3.34 lakh MT has been processed in the past year, leaving more than 22.43 lakh MT untreated. These massive piles of accumulated waste not only degrade the urban landscape but also contaminate soil and water, release harmful gases, and pose long-term health and environmental risks. Sewage management presents an equally serious challenge. Untreated wastewater still flows into rivers, streams, and wetlands, polluting fragile ecosystems and affecting public health. A key reason for this is institutional capacity. The Urban Environment Engineering Department (UEED), responsible for sewage and drainage projects, currently has only 19 officers to cover the entire Union Territory, far too few given the scale of the task. This shortage has slowed project execution, with many proposed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) still stuck at the bid evaluation or technical vetting stage. These delays prolong the discharge of untreated wastewater and deepen environmental pressures. To address this, the government has taken some corrective steps. Two expert agencies, Green Design of Gujarat and NCPE of Hyderabad, have been engaged to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 76 ULBs using a cluster approach. This model allows smaller towns to share treatment facilities with larger STPs, making the process more cost-effective and efficient. The government is also restructuring the UEED by creating district-level units and proposing new posts of Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions to strengthen the department’s capacity. Alongside these structural changes, there is a growing emphasis on decentralized and community-based solutions. The government has started promoting home-based and park-based composting through regular awareness campaigns to encourage waste segregation and local treatment. One sanitary landfill is already operational in Srinagar, and three more are under construction in Anantnag, Baramulla, and Jammu. Efforts are also underway to secure Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) disposal, while cement plants are being directed to use RDF, a step that could significantly reduce landfill pressure and support recycling efforts. In Jammu city, a series of important projects are expected to strengthen sewage infrastructure. The ₹1.15 crore Interception and Diversion (I&D) network along the Tawi riverfront is planned for completion by March 2026, while missing links in the sewerage network are expected to be addressed by March 2027 at a cost of ₹63 crore. Packages I and II of the I&D network for nine nullahs should be finished by December 2025. A new project at Belicharana is also being planned to bridge the remaining gaps. Even after these efforts, however, a gap of about 127.82 million litres per day (MLD) in sewage treatment capacity will persist. DPRs to address this are expected by October 2025, with execution targeted before March 2026. Financial planning is also evolving. The ₹350 crore Ring Fence Account plan has been revised to cover both solid and wastewater management activities, ensuring dedicated funding and focused implementation. This integrated approach reflects a shift toward more coordinated urban governance and sustainable planning. The situation, while challenging, is not without hope. The ongoing projects, institutional reforms, and policy measures show that progress is being made, albeit slowly. Yet, the scale of the task demands more than just technical fixes; it requires stronger governance, greater capacity, community involvement, and consistent monitoring. Addressing the burden of legacy waste, improving sewage treatment, and protecting rivers and ecosystems are not only environmental imperatives but also essential to public health, quality of life, and sustainable urban growth. Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crucial point in its urban development journey. With the right mix of planning, investment, and public participation, the Union Territory can transform this moment of challenge into an opportunity, building cleaner, more resilient, and more livable cities that reflect the aspirations of a modern and environmentally conscious society.
The government’s ongoing efforts to address Jammu and Kashmir’s sanitation challenges deserve recognition for their vision and commitment to building a cleaner, healthier future. The focus on expanding waste processing infrastructure, introducing cluster-based STP models, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting decentralised composting reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. To build on this momentum, it is essential to accelerate project implementation, ensure strict monitoring, and deepen community participation. With sustained political will, efficient governance, and active public engagement, the Union Territory can overcome current hurdles and set a benchmark in sustainable urban sanitation and environmental stewardship for the entire country.