The Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Kashmir has completed the bio-mining of 0.079 mn metric tonnes (t) of legacy waste at five municipal dumping sites, marking a significant step towards scientific solid waste management and the reclamation of old dumping grounds across the Valley. The department has undertaken large-scale bio-remediation of 0.298 mn t of legacy waste in 18 municipalities, with 0.158 mn t remediated by the executing agency and remediation of the remainder currently under way. Officials described the effort as part of a wider push to eliminate decades-old dumps and improve environmental conditions.

Twelve Solid Waste Management (SWM) Centres are now operational in different municipalities, providing scientific segregation and processing of municipal waste. Municipal committees have ceased using open dumping sites following the commissioning of the SWM Centres, and household waste is being channelled to these facilities for systematic handling. Wet waste is processed through compost pits while dry waste is directed to Material Recovery Facility (MRF) plants for treatment.

To strengthen door-to-door collection, the department procured 245 garbage hoppers which have been distributed among municipal committees across the Valley. The collected waste is segregated at the SWM Centres before being routed to appropriate processing streams, and this logistical support has been credited with improving collection efficiency. The executing agency continues to work on remaining legacy waste at municipal sites while monitoring operational SWM Centres and MRF units.

The campaign is presented as complementing municipal efforts to modernise solid waste services and reclaim land previously occupied by informal dumps. Continued operation of SWM Centres and the roll-out of waste collection infrastructure are expected to reduce environmental hazards and enhance public health outcomes across the Valley. Authorities indicated that work will proceed until legacy waste targets are met and municipal practices fully transition to scientific solid waste management.