AJK Govt Plans to Outsource Solid Waste Management

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government is exploring the possibility of outsourcing solid waste management to private companies, as the region grapples with managing approximately 1,300 tonnes of waste daily. Waste collection and disposal could be provided at an estimated cost of Rs. 17,500 per tonne under the proposed system, which would encompass collection, transportation, recycling, and the conversion of organic waste into compost and other useful products.

Irshad Qurashi, Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development (LG&RD) in AJK, stated that this initiative is being considered as part of the government's efforts to enhance cleanliness and environmental sustainability in the region. In addition to pursuing district-level waste management targets and increasing private-sector involvement, officials have pointed out the absence of reliable data as a significant hurdle.

AJK lacks comprehensive information regarding the number of households, commercial establishments, and the volume of waste produced in various areas, which complicates planning and resource allocation. The proposed system aims to collect waste at the source rather than transporting mixed waste to distant transfer points. Organic waste could be transformed into compost for use as fertilizer, while recyclable materials such as glass and construction waste would require separate handling to prevent contamination during recycling.

AJK is currently facing a shortage of sanitation personnel, with only 546 workers serving the region, including 122 in the capital city, despite a growing population and expanding urban areas. The AJK government is also examining waste management models employed in other parts of Pakistan, particularly Punjab, to identify best practices and potential improvements.