Srinagar, Nov 02: The Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) has made segregation of waste at source mandatory for households and commercial establishments within its jurisdiction and prohibited garbage dumping, open burning and discharge of untreated sewage into Manasbal Lake.
In a public notice, the Authority directed residents, shopkeepers, hotel and restaurant owners, institutions and other commercial establishments to follow prescribed waste management and sanitation guidelines to protect the lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
As per the directions, all households and commercial establishments must hand over their daily waste exclusively to designated sanitation staff and authorised collection vehicles of the Rural Development Department, Block Safapora, at notified times and locations.
The Authority has made it compulsory to segregate wet and biodegradable waste from dry and non-biodegradable waste, prohibiting the mixing of the two categories.
Dumping of garbage, plastic, polythene, construction debris and other waste materials along roads, footpaths, drains, water bodies, parks, tourist spots and the lake periphery has also been prohibited.
The notice further bans open burning of garbage, plastic and other solid waste in public spaces.
Commercial establishments, including shops, restaurants, dhabas and vending units, have been directed to maintain cleanliness within their premises and adjoining areas and ensure proper arrangements for waste storage, segregation and disposal.
Institutions and organisers of public events have also been asked to ensure proper collection and disposal of waste generated during functions and restore the premises to a clean condition immediately after the events.
In a separate measure to protect Manasbal Lake, the Authority has prohibited the discharge of untreated sewage, kitchen wastewater and other liquid waste into the lake, adjoining drains, water channels, wetlands and public spaces.
Households, hotels, restaurants and institutions have been directed to ensure proper collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and wastewater. They have also been asked to maintain septic tanks, soak pits and other sanitation facilities and ensure that sewage and sludge are transported to authorised disposal facilities.
Warning of action against violators, the WMDA said violations would invite penalties under the J&K Development Act, Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and other applicable laws.
The action may include fines, penalties, notices and legal proceedings before competent authorities, it said.
The Authority has directed concerned officials and sanitation staff to maintain strict vigilance and report violations for necessary action.
The WMDA said public cooperation was essential to maintain the cleanliness of Manasbal Lake and its surrounding tourist areas, adding that activities causing environmental damage or defacement of the destination would not be tolerated.
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