Legislator Expresses Discontent Over Govt’s Inaction, Calls for Greater Accountability in Assembly Proceedings
BJP MLA Walks Out of J&K Assembly Over Govt’s ‘Non-Serious’ Approach to Solid Waste Management
Jammu, Mar 23: BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s response to his query regarding the scientific disposal of solid waste in his constituency.
Sharma had raised concerns about the dumping of solid waste in Kot Bhalwal, Jammu North, urging the government to shift the waste to an alternate location due to health risks posed to residents. In response, Health Minister Sakina Itoo, speaking on behalf of the concerned minister, stated that Kot Bhalwal is designated for scientific solid waste management under the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).
However, Sharma was not satisfied with the government’s stance, particularly after the minister denied any health risks to residents and failed to provide details on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for waste disposal. Frustrated with what he called a “non-serious” attitude of the government, Sharma staged a walkout from the Assembly, stating, “The Smart City project emphasizes scientific solid waste management, yet this dumping site is a health hazard. The government’s denial of any issue is unfortunate for this House.”
The controversy comes despite the Administrative Council (AC), led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approving an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) project at Kot Bhalwal in 2021. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹74.41 crore, was entrusted to NAFED, which is expected to manage Jammu’s solid waste for 25 years. The project was originally slated for completion within two years, but concerns over implementation continue to persist.
