BJP MLA Exits J&K Assembly Over Government's 'Nonchalant' Stance
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Synopsis
On March 22, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma exited the J&K Assembly, criticizing the government's indifferent response to his questions about solid waste management. He highlighted health risks for locals and expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the issue, leading to his walkout.
Key Takeaways
- Sham Lal Sharma criticized the government's response.
- Health risks in Kot Bhalwal due to waste dumping.
- Government's non-serious attitude questioned.
- NAFED involved in waste management project.
- Urgent need for relocation of waste site emphasized.
Jammu, March 22 (NationPress) BJP MLA, Sham Lal Sharma, made a dramatic exit from the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly on Saturday, criticizing the government's alleged 'nonchalant' response to his inquiry about the scientific disposal of solid waste in his constituency.
Sham Lal Sharma raised concerns regarding the accumulation of solid waste at Kot Bhalwal village in his Jammu North constituency and requested measures to relocate the waste to an alternative site.
In response, Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed the House, in the absence of the relevant minister, that Kot Bhalwal is designated for scientific solid waste management, and efforts are underway to develop the site in collaboration with NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India).
She provided negative responses to two additional inquiries regarding health hazards to local residents and the progress made on the Detailed Project Report concerning waste disposal management.
Sharma expressed dissatisfaction with the government's replies, stating, 'What did I ask and what have they replied?' He emphasized that the smart city project prioritizes scientific solid waste management, yet the current dumping site poses health risks to the community, which the government dismisses.
Upon leaving the Assembly, the BJP MLA remarked that the government’s attitude was 'non-serious' and labeled the situation as 'unfortunate for this House'.
Previously, on February 13, 2021, the Administrative Council led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha sanctioned the creation of an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) project by NAFED at Kot Bhalwal, with an estimated budget of Rs 74.41 crore and a two-year timeline.
The order stated, 'NAFED, an apex body under the Union Agriculture Ministry with extensive experience in bio-waste management, will oversee the city's solid waste through the proposed ISWM project for 25 years.'
Sharma's immediate priority is to relocate the current dumping site at Kot Bhalwal, which is causing significant health issues for local residents.
He insisted that the dumping site should not remain operational until the bio-waste management project is functional.
Sharma questioned, 'What kind of approach is this to public healthcare? You dispose of hazardous waste at one location, promising that it will eventually be managed scientifically.' He communicated his concerns to the media.
