Srinagar, Jul 29: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to furnish a detailed affidavit on the status of legacy waste clearance at the Achan landfill site, expressing concern over delays in meeting the waste remediation timeline.

Hearing a petition filed by environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, the Principal Bench of the NGT noted that while the SMC had informed the Tribunal in September 2025 that the entire legacy waste would be cleared by March 2027, its latest compliance report has extended the deadline to March 2028. The Tribunal observed that the fresh report, dated March 27, 2026, was not supported by an affidavit.

The Tribunal directed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to disclose the quantity of legacy waste cleared since September 2025, the method adopted for its treatment, the utilisation of compost and inert material generated after processing, the amount of solid waste generated daily, the quantity treated each day, and the existing gap between waste generation and treatment.

According to the compliance report submitted by the SMC, around 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste are lying at the Achan landfill, of which nearly 40,000 metric tonnes have been processed so far through bio-mining. The Corporation stated that waste is being segregated into recyclables, refuse-derived fuel (RDF), inert material and soil, and that bio-mining operations are being scaled up with a revised target of completing the exercise by March 2028.

The report also stated that Srinagar generates around 520–550 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, while existing processing facilities can handle only about 150 tonnes daily, leaving a treatment gap of 320–350 tonnes per day. To bridge this gap, the SMC has proposed an 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility comprising an RDF plant, compressed biogas (CBG) plant, expanded Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and a scientific landfill. The proposal is awaiting administrative approval.

The Tribunal granted the SMC three weeks to file a fresh affidavit through the Commissioner addressing these issues and listed the matter for further hearing on October 7, 2026.

Srinagar, Jul 29: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir has secured the conviction of an accused in a long-pending recruitment fraud case, officials said on Wednesday.

In a stement, an official spokesperson said, “In a significant judgment, the Court of the Special Mobile Magistrate, 13th Finance Commission/Railway Magistrate, Srinagar, convicted Nazir Ahmad Malik, son of Abdul Aziz Malik, a resident of Budgam, for fraudulently securing appointment as a Constable in the 9th Battalion of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) by using a fake 10+2 qualification certificate.”

During the investigation, the forged certificate was seized and forwarded to the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) for verification. The Board conclusively confirmed that the certificate was forged, the statement said.

Accordingly, the spokesperson said, the Court convicted and sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for three years and imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000 for the offence punishable under Section 420 of the RPC. In default of payment of the fine, the convict shall undergo simple imprisonment for a period of fifteen (15) days. The Court further sentenced the accused to simple imprisonment for two years for the offence punishable under Section 471 RPC. Both substantive sentences shall run concurrently.

The EOW Kashmir advised citizens to refrain from using forged or fabricated documents for employment or any official purpose. Such fraudulent acts are punishable under law and can lead to imprisonment, fines, and permanent damage to one’s reputation and career.

Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Tuesday observed World Hepatitis Day with an awareness programme highlighting the importance of hepatitis prevention, early detection, timely treatment, and public awareness to eliminate the disease.

The programme, organised by the Department of Microbiology, brought together senior faculty members and health professionals who emphasised the need to strengthen public awareness, promote routine screening, and encourage preventive measures to reduce burden of viral hepatitis.

The event was attended by Executive Director KMCH Insha Qazi, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan, Head of the Department of Microbiology Prof. (Dr.) Syed Khursheed, Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir, Heads of various departments, faculty members, and doctors.

Addressing the gathering, Executive Director Insha Qazi underlined the importance of regular screening and timely medical intervention in preventing complications associated with viral hepatitis. She said awareness, early diagnosis, vaccination, and access to appropriate treatment are essential to achieving the global goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan described hepatitis as a “dangerous disease” that spreads silently and gradually damages the liver.

He said creating awareness about hepatitis is a shared responsibility of healthcare institutions and doctors.

He urged doctors to make hepatitis screening a part of routine clinical practice to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment.

“Doctors have to become the first line of defence in protecting liver health and preventing liver diseases. It is our duty to promote awareness, encourage regular screening, and work towards eliminating hepatitis,” he said.

Head of the Department of Microbiology, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Khursheed, said many people infected with hepatitis remain unaware of their condition, making routine screening crucial to prevent the spread of the infection.

“At KMCH, we strongly advocate routine screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These tests are already available at our hospital, and we will soon introduce molecular diagnostics along with other advanced conventional testing methods to further strengthen our diagnostic services,” he said.

Describing hepatitis as a “silent killer”, he said the disease can be effectively controlled through early detection, vaccination, timely treatment, and sustained public awareness.

“Programmes like these are vital to sensitise people and convey the message that awareness, regular screening, and early treatment are essential to eliminating hepatitis,” he added.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir congratulated the Department of Microbiology for organising the World Hepatitis Day programme and appreciated its efforts in spreading awareness about the disease.

“At KMCH, we are providing free vaccines under the Universal Immunisation Programme. In addition, vaccines for both children and adults are available free of cost. We are also offering hepatitis screening at highly subsidised rates compared to the market, making early detection and prevention more accessible to the public,” he said.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by KMCH to continue organising awareness initiatives, expand community outreach programmes, and strengthen preventive healthcare efforts to promote liver health and encourage timely healthcare-seeking behaviour.