SRINAGAR: Health and environmental experts in Kashmir have raised significant concerns regarding the improper disposal of animal waste following Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, warning that unhygienic practices could lead to public health crises, contaminate water sources, and degrade the region’s sensitive environment.
The Chenab Times has learned that these experts are advocating for scientific waste management strategies, coordinated efforts by municipal bodies, and increased public awareness to ensure the religious occasion is observed in a manner that is clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.
Tariq Ahmad Padder, an environmental expert, emphasized that Eid-ul-Azha, while a sacred occasion, should align with spiritual values and social responsibility, rather than becoming a catalyst for pollution and disease. He stated that sacrifices should be conducted hygienically, with all by-products, including blood, offal, and hides, being disposed of in a scientific and sanitary manner, particularly during the summer months when the risk of infections and disease outbreaks escalates.
Padder cautioned that the scattering of animal waste and open dumping create environments conducive to the breeding of flies, mosquitoes, and stray animals, thereby increasing the likelihood of water-borne, food-borne, and vector-borne diseases. He explained that when animal waste is discarded into drains, streams, or open spaces, it contaminates both surface and groundwater, posing a substantial public health threat and potentially leading to gastrointestinal infections and other communicable diseases.
He urged the public to maintain cleanliness at slaughtering sites and utilize disinfectants to ensure hygiene. Padder noted that while municipal authorities are undertaking arrangements for waste collection, citizen cooperation and strict adherence to guidelines are crucial. He added that cleanliness is an integral aspect of faith and should be reflected in actions during Eid.
The expert also called for the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices throughout the year, highlighting that Kashmir’s environment is already under significant strain due to pollution and irresponsible human behaviour. He suggested that Eid should also serve as an occasion to promote eco-consciousness and responsible waste management.
Environmental specialists concur that the improper disposal of animal remains not only harms the environment but also diminishes the overall quality of life in both urban and rural areas.
Umar, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences in Srinagar, pointed out that the indiscriminate dumping of animal waste significantly contributes to pollution, foul odours, and the spread of infections. He stressed the necessity of implementing stringent waste management protocols during Eid-ul-Azha. According to Umar, municipal committees and civic bodies must establish designated disposal sites and enhance waste collection mechanisms to prevent the accumulation of waste in residential areas.
He further underscored the importance of awareness campaigns and public participation, advising individuals to use biodegradable waste bags and refrain from disposing of remains in open spaces or water bodies. Umar suggested that community involvement in cleanliness drives can play a vital role in safeguarding public hygiene and local ecosystems.
Bilal Ahmad, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, stated that coordinated efforts among the administration, local bodies, and residents are essential for effectively managing the large volume of animal waste generated during Eid. He indicated that civic authorities are responsible for ensuring the timely removal of waste, while the public must also act responsibly by avoiding the dumping of remains in public areas. Ahmad reiterated that environmental protection is a collective responsibility requiring active community involvement.
He also noted that Kashmir’s delicate ecology necessitates heightened caution during festivals and large gatherings. Ahmad warned that improper disposal of sacrificial waste can severely impact local water bodies, soil quality, and sanitation conditions. He added that the administration must ensure the scientific treatment and disposal of waste, while the public is expected to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Officials from the Jal Shakti Department have appealed to the public to avoid disposing of animal waste into rivers, streams, or drains, emphasizing that such actions pose a direct threat to drinking water sources. Firdous Ahmad, an Executive Engineer within the department, advised individuals to either bury the waste in properly dug pits or gather it at designated spots in their villages and localities for scientific disposal.
Ahmad also stated that the government should ensure the timely collection and treatment of animal waste at district-level facilities, highlighting that public cooperation is equally vital for maintaining sanitation and protecting water resources. Experts across Jammu and Kashmir have urged citizens to observe Eid-ul-Azha with a sense of responsibility, cleanliness, and environmental consciousness, underscoring that appropriate waste disposal is paramount for preserving public health and the Valley’s fragile ecosystem.
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