Srinagar | July 9: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has expressed serious concern over the persistent foul smell emanating from the Achan landfill and has repeatedly urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to take immediate action. Documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveal that the institute has written several letters to the civic body highlighting the impact of the landfill on public health.
SKIMS has stated that the strong odour and smoke released from the Achan dumping site are affecting critically ill patients, their attendants, and hospital staff. The institute has termed the issue more than just a civic inconvenience, describing it as a serious public health concern.
In a letter sent to the SMC on June 2, 2026, Medical Superintendent Prof. Farooq Ahmad Jan said that the matter had been brought to the authorities’ attention several times earlier, but the problem continues, especially during the summer season. He pointed out that the foul smell has been causing significant discomfort to patients and staff living nearby and may pose serious health risks.
Earlier, on May 6, 2025, SKIMS had also written to the SMC regarding the issue. The institute informed the civic body that several complaints had been received from patient attendants about the foul odour and warned that smoke and emissions from the landfill could be particularly harmful for terminally ill and vulnerable patients.
SKIMS has repeatedly described the emissions from the Achan landfill as a threat to public health. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Environment Committee has also taken note of the issue and, after visiting the landfill site, directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive health impact assessment to evaluate the effects on people living in nearby areas.
The Achan landfill has remained one of Kashmir’s major environmental challenges for years. Residents in surrounding areas have consistently raised concerns over foul odour, smoke caused by landfill fires, leachate, and the growing accumulation of waste.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Project worth around ₹361 crore for the Achan landfill. Under the project, arrangements will be made for the scientific processing and disposal of nearly 800 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day.
Along with this, biomining and bioremediation work of around 1.15 million metric tonnes of legacy waste is underway, with the target of completing the process within nearly two years. Stakeholders have suggested that an independent civil society committee should also be formed to ensure transparency and effective monitoring of the project.
(Agencies)
