Ganderbal, Feb 22: A total expenditure of ₹6,50,18,607 (approximately ₹6.5 crore) has been incurred on Rural Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Ganderbal district between 2020 and 2025, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The details were disclosed through an RTI application filed by social activist Manzoor Nabi Wani from Ganderbal, who has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the expenditure in achieving the desired outcomes on the ground.
As per the RTI reply, the block-wise expenditure includes: Lar: ₹1,05,77,187, Sherpathri: ₹29,63,807, Safapora: ₹38,60,040, Gund: ₹1,03,00,000, Kangan: ₹98,05,902, Ganderbal: ₹1,17,01,671, and Wakura: ₹1,58,10,000.
Despite the substantial investment, the activist alleged that several rural areas continue to struggle with irregular waste collection, lack of segregation at source, inadequate utilisation of infrastructure, and poor sustainability of the system.
He said the situation highlights a larger issue concerning development priorities and governance effectiveness, asserting that public expenditure should lead to measurable improvements in civic services and quality of life.
“When significant funds are spent, but visible outcomes remain limited, it becomes necessary to reassess planning, execution, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms,” Wani said.
He further suggested that prioritising welfare-oriented schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) could have produced more tangible social impact in terms of housing security and public trust.
Calling for course correction, Wani emphasised the need for stronger community participation and a results-oriented approach to rural waste management in the district.
