ANANTNAG, Feb 10, 2026 — Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, announced in the House today that a systematic Solid Waste Management (SWM) plan is now operational across all blocks of the Anantnag district. Responding to inquiries from MLA Rayez Ahmad Khan, the Minister detailed a robust infrastructure strategy developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G). This framework includes the establishment of segregation sheds in every panchayat, community and household compost pits, and centralized Plastic Waste Management Units across 16 blocks. Notably, the Shangus-Anantnag East Constituency already operates four functional plastic units with fortnightly segregation schedules.
The Minister highlighted that the current infrastructure comprises 84 segregation sheds, 117 community compost pits, and various sanitary complexes, with dozens of additional facilities currently under execution. To ensure long-term sustainability, the government is focusing on behavioral change through extensive awareness campaigns and “segregation at source” initiatives. Under the Annual Action Plan for 2026–27, the department plans to significantly scale these efforts by proposing the procurement of 31 additional vehicles and over 300,000 individual dustbins, further supported by a 10% earmark from the annual PRI Capex specifically for operation and maintenance.
Addressing concerns regarding monitoring and open dumping, Minister Dar confirmed that no vulnerable dumping spots have been identified, as the department maintains a strict policy for immediate cleanup and scientific disposal. A robust accountability framework is now in place at the block and panchayat levels, supported by newly notified local by-laws. By integrating these efforts with the VB-GRAMG (MGNREGA) scheme, the administration aims to create a seamless, door-to-door waste collection system that ensures rural cleanliness and environmental safety throughout the district.
