Handwara Bus Stand Turns into garbage dumping site.

GNS ONLINE: SHAKIR BHAT

HANDWARA APRIL 11:–Transporters of Handwara are up in arms against the Municipal authorities here for turning the Handwara bus stand into a garbage dumping Site.

The locals said the municipal authorities collect garbage from various wards of the Handwara town and dump it at the General bus stand. Racy smell emanating from the area causes inconvenience to the commuters. The problem is compounded by presence of stray dogs and cattle.

The bus stand is spread over 85 kanals of land and witnesses huge rush of people including students and traders.
“Tons of garbage including polythene is dumped in midst of the bus stand causing immense inconvenience to the passengers and shopkeepers,” the locals said.

They said huge garbage dumps have become hazardous. “We have to wear masks to avoid pungent smell emanating from the garbage dumps. The site has also become a safe haven for stray dogs who have bitten people in past months.

The transporters said the presence of garbage dumps has drastically affected business in the area. “Authorities should either convert the bus stand into a permanent garbage dump or take measures to identify a suitable place away from human habitations and water bodies for dumping of waste.

When contacted, Executive Officer MC Handwara Farooq Ahmad He said district administration has identified garbage dumping site at Nutnusa . “We are developing the site and it would be functional within a month.