Wahid Rafiqi
Bandipora, July 29: The much-hyped door-to-door waste collection service in Onagam village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has come to a standstill barely a month after its launch, leaving residents frustrated and concerned over growing sanitation issues.
Launched by the Department of Rural Development earlier this year under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the initiative had raised hopes for improved hygiene and proper solid waste management in the village. However, according to locals, the service was discontinued within weeks of its commencement in late February.
“It gave us a sense that the administration was finally taking rural sanitation seriously,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Onagam. “But it barely lasted a month. Since then, there has been no update, no vehicle, and no communication from the authorities.”
With the suspension of the service, garbage has started piling up again on roadsides, in drains, and open spaces, creating both health hazards and environmental concerns. Residents say the absence of a consistent mechanism is pushing them back into unsanitary conditions.
“We demand a proper waste disposal facility — either resume the door-to-door collection or provide an effective alternative,” said Ab Hamid, another resident. “This is not just about cleanliness; it’s about the health and dignity of our village.”
The sudden failure of the service has also raised questions about policy execution at the grassroots. Despite comprehensive frameworks like the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), which emphasizes solid and liquid waste management at the village level, locals say there’s little on-ground accountability.
Experts believe that national sanitation missions cannot succeed without consistent follow-up and local-level ownership. “Even the best policies mean little if implementation is erratic or short-lived,” a senior official in the sector commented off the record.
Residents are now urging the district administration and Rural Development authorities to intervene. “This should not be a one-time show. We need sustainable and accountable systems, not temporary publicity events,” said another villager.
When contacted, the Block Development Officer (BDO) Bandipora acknowledged the issue and assured that the matter would be looked into. “We will review the situation and take steps to resume the door-to-door collection service at the earliest,” the BDO said.
As complaints mount and garbage accumulates, villagers hope for swift administrative action to prevent further deterioration of hygiene standards — and restore public trust in essential services.
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