SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it has undertaken a series of measures to curb pollution and improve sanitation around BrariNambal, including clearing over 650 metric tonnes of legacy waste, extending 100 per cent door-to-door waste collection, and shutting down illegal dumping sites in the wetland’s catchment.
In its response filed before the Principal Bench of the NGT in Original Application No. 190/2025, arising from a news report titled “BrariNambal: A stark failure successive regime failed to restore glory of Dal Lake’s lagoon”, the Corporation said door-to-door waste collection now covers all households and commercial establishments along the eastern and western periphery of the lagoon. Four Hooper/Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) have been deployed exclusively for the catchment area to ensure daily collection and prevent littering and open dumping.
The SMC said it has strengthened sludge and septic tank clearance services in adjoining localities to minimise grey water and organic discharge into the lagoon. It also stated that segregated waste collection is being implemented through compartmentalised collection vehicles while awareness campaigns are being conducted to promote source segregation in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
According to the response, two major informal dumping sites near BrariNambal have been permanently closed, with waste now being lifted through ward-level routes and transported to designated transfer stations and the Achan Sanitary Landfill, reducing the inflow of solid waste into the lagoon.
The Corporation further claimed that all legacy waste accumulated along the lagoon’s periphery has been scientifically removed. It said more than 650 metric tonnes of old waste were lifted during a three-phase sanitation drive carried out by the concerned Zonal Sanitation Office. Regular cleanliness drives are also being conducted along the lagoon’s littoral stretches to maintain sanitation standards and preserve the wetland’s ecology.
SMC also informed the Tribunal that, under its “Sundays for Srinagar” initiative, more than 20 special cleanliness drives have been organised at BrariNambal involving citizens, volunteers and local NGOs to remove plastic waste and clear encroachments along the waterline. It claimed the initiative has helped improve public awareness and encouraged residents to use the door-to-door waste collection system instead of dumping waste into the lagoon.
The response states that intensive IEC campaigns are being conducted through public announcements, door-to-door outreach, mosques and community leaders to spread awareness on wetland conservation. The Corporation also said enforcement teams have been issuing notices and penalties against violators found littering or dumping waste near the lagoon.
The SMC further said it has launched anti-polythene drives under the “6R Campaign – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Remove, Refuse and Report”, with fortnightly enforcement drives to seize banned plastic carry bags and discourage their sale and use. It added that the entire peripheral road network around BrariNambal has been declared a “No Littering Zone”, with signboards installed at key locations, dedicated sanitation staff deployed for surveillance and on-the-spot fines imposed on violators. Continuous monitoring of the lagoon’s periphery has also been ordered under the supervision of the Zonal Sanitation Officer and the Corporation’s Sanitation Department.
