Srinagar, Jan 08, KDC: In a data released by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, regarding star ratings for Cities (ULBs) in Garbage Free Status (GFC) in India for 2023, Surat and Thane secured impressive 7* ratings, whereas New Delhi attained a commendable 5* rating. While from Kashmir not a single ULB clinched a Star ranking.
According to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the spotlight, however, falls on Kashmir, where not a single Urban Local Body (ULB) clinched a star ranking. Jammu’s Katra town stands out with a notable star rating, contrasting with the absence of any recognition for Srinagar (SMC) and Jammu (JMC) cities in the star ratings.
The star ratings, a benchmark for garbage-free cities, were released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Government of India. The criteria for eligibility included cities with Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
Shockingly, as per the data, Kashmir failed to secure a single ULB with a Garbage Free City (GFC) status or a star rating, highlighting inadequate segregated waste collection and subpar waste processing.
This raises significant concerns about the sanitation and cleanliness levels in Kashmiri cities, especially in Srinagar (SMC).
According to released data, a stark contrast emerges between Jammu and Kashmir, as all 36 ULBs of Jammu achieved Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+) status. In contrast, less than half of the 40 ULBs in Kashmir managed to qualify for ODF+ status, pointing towards disparities in waste management and sanitation practices between the two regions. (KDC)
