With Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated tomorrow, health and environmental experts in Kashmir have expressed serious concern over the improper disposal of animal waste during the festival, warning that unhygienic practices could trigger public health crises, contaminate water sources and damage the fragile environment.
They have called for scientific waste management, coordinated municipal action and greater public awareness to ensure that the religious occasion is observed in a clean, safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Dr Tariq Ahmad Padder, an environmental expert, said Eid-ul-Azha is a sacred occasion that should reflect spiritual values and social responsibility rather than become a source of pollution and disease.
“The sacrifice must be carried out hygienically, and all by-products, including blood, offal and hides, should be disposed of in a scientific and sanitary manner, especially during the summer season when the risk of infections and disease outbreaks increases,” he said.
Dr Tariq warned that scattered animal waste and open dumping create ideal breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes and stray animals, increasing the risk of water-borne, food-borne and vector-borne diseases. “When animal waste is dumped into drains, streams or open spaces, it contaminates surface and groundwater and poses a major public health threat. Such practices can lead to gastrointestinal infections and other communicable diseases,” he said.
He urged people to maintain cleanliness at slaughtering sites and use disinfectants to ensure hygiene. “Municipal authorities are making arrangements for waste collection, but citizens must cooperate and follow the guidelines strictly. Cleanliness is an essential part of our faith and should be reflected in our actions during Eid,” he added.
Dr Padder called for adopting environmentally sustainable practices throughout the year. “Our environment is already under immense stress due to pollution and irresponsible human behaviour. Eid should also become an occasion to promote eco-consciousness and responsible waste management,” he said.
According to environmental experts, improper disposal of animal remains not only damages the environment but also affects the overall quality of life in urban and rural areas alike.
Dr Umar, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences in Srinagar, said indiscriminate dumping of animal waste contributes significantly to pollution, foul smell and the spread of infections.
“Strict waste management protocols need to be implemented during Eid-ul-Azha. Municipal committees and civic bodies must establish designated disposal sites and strengthen waste collection mechanisms to avoid accumulation of waste in residential areas,” he said.
He stressed the importance of awareness campaigns and public participation. “People should use biodegradable waste bags and avoid throwing remains in open spaces or water bodies. Community participation in cleanliness drives can play a major role in protecting public hygiene and local ecosystems,” Dr Umar added.
Dr Bilal Ahmad, a JKAS officer, said coordinated efforts between the administration, local bodies and residents are essential to manage the huge quantity of animal waste generated during Eid.
“Civic authorities must ensure timely lifting of waste, while people should also act responsibly and avoid dumping remains in public places. Environmental protection is a collective responsibility and requires active community involvement,” he said.
He said Kashmir’s fragile ecology demands extra caution during festivals and large gatherings. “Improper disposal of sacrificial waste can severely impact local water bodies, soil quality and sanitation conditions. The administration must ensure scientific treatment and disposal of waste, while people should adopt eco-friendly practices,” he said.
Officials from the Jal Shakti Department have urged people not to throw animal waste into rivers, streams or drains, saying such practices pose a direct threat to drinking water sources.
Firdous Ahmad, Executive Engineer in the department, advised people to either bury the waste in properly dug pits or collect it at designated spots in their villages and localities for scientific disposal.
“The government should ensure timely collection and treatment of animal waste at district-level facilities. Public cooperation is equally important to maintain sanitation and protect water resources,” he said.
Experts have appealed to people across Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with responsibility, cleanliness and environmental awareness, emphasising that proper waste disposal is crucial for safeguarding public health and preserving the Valley’s delicate ecosystem.
