The villages of valley, once celebrated for their pristine beauty, are now marred by filth, posing severe health hazards and exposing the flawed implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Launched in 2014 to ensure cleanliness and eliminate open defecation across India, SBM has failed to deliver in many Kashmiri villages, where littered landscapes and choked water bodies reflect systemic lapses in execution and potential misuse of funds.
In villages like those in Pulwama and Anantnag, polythene bags ruthlessly desert the fertile lands, turning lush fields into dumping grounds. Non-biodegradable waste clogs irrigation channels and pollutes the Jhelum River, endangering both agriculture and drinking water. This environmental degradation fuels health crises, with contaminated water sources linked to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and gastroenteritis. The sight of polythene strewn across paddy fields not only harms livestock but also undermines the valley’s agrarian economy, a lifeline for rural communities.
The SBM’s shortcomings are evident. While official reports claim toilet construction and open-defecation-free status, many rural households lack functional sanitation facilities. Toilets, where built, often sit unused due to inadequate water supply or poor maintenance. Waste management systems are virtually nonexistent, with polythene and other refuse piling up unchecked. This raises questions about the utilization of SBM funds were they misallocated, siphoned off, or simply mismanaged?
To reclaim Kashmir’s pristine villages, urgent action is needed. Transparent audits of SBM funds, coupled with strict oversight, can curb financial irregularities. Local panchayats must be empowered to manage waste, with dedicated facilities for recycling and disposal. Community-driven campaigns can discourage polythene use and promote sustainable practices. The SBM’s vision holds promise, but only rigorous accountability and localized efforts can restore Kashmir’s villages to their former glory, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future.
