BANDIPORA: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, on Friday conducted a comprehensive tour of Wular Lake and its adjacent areas.
During the visit, the DC interacted with the residents of Zurimanz village and inspected the Solid Waste Management site at Zalwan Nusoo.
In Zurimanz village, the DC interacted with local residents to listen to their grievances and demands. The key issues raised by the villagers included better road connectivity, improved healthcare facilities, curbing illegal net practices and poaching, and initiatives to promote employment opportunities.
The DC assured them of prompt action, and directed the concerned officials to address the issues in a time-bound manner.
He also inspected the Solid Waste Management site at Zalwan Nusoo, where he reviewed the measures being undertaken for scientific waste disposal and environmental conservation. He emphasized the need for adopting advanced waste segregation techniques and urged the community to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness and protecting natural resources.
On the occasion, Executive Officer Municipal Council Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, briefed the DC on the progress of establishing a Solid Waste Management Facility. He informed that the proposal is currently under review by the State Impact Assessment Authority for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
He further stated that, once clearance is obtained, the site will be utilized for the construction of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and compost pits.
The progress of fencing work at the site was also discussed, and instructions were issued to expedite its completion.
It was informed that the old landfill site has been developed by the Municipal Council, with plans to establish a public park at the location.
The DC directed the concerned officials to expedite the bio-remediation of legacy waste and identify an alternative site for a landfill to manage future waste disposal effectively.
The DC was accompanied by the Joint Director Fisheries (North), G. M. Wani; Coordinator WUCMA, Owais Farooq Mir, AD Fisheries, Executive Officer Municipal Council Bandipora, Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Bandipora, Tehsildar Bandipora, and other concerned officials.