Around 700 tonnes of waste is reportedly being removed daily from the existing dumping site as Islamabad plans a new waste transfer facility.
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to shift accumulated garbage dumped between Islamabad’s I-10 and I-11 sectors to a designated waste depot in I-9 within the next two to three months.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary informed the National Assembly about the plan after concerns were raised over garbage dumping in the area. The waste has reportedly caused foul smells, environmental pollution and concerns about possible groundwater contamination and public health risks.
Around 700 Tonnes of Waste Being Removed Daily
According to the minister, the waste removal operation has resumed, with around 700 metric tonnes of solid waste being transported daily from the dumping site.
He said the accumulated garbage had not been transferred for approximately six months because of certain issues. The minister also stated that Islamabad generates around 300 metric tonnes of solid waste each day.
The difference between the daily waste generated and the amount currently being removed reflects the scale of the accumulated waste removal operation, rather than the city’s daily waste generation alone.
I-9 Facility Expected to Become Operational
The CDA has developed a designated waste facility in Sector I-9, which is expected to become fully operational within two to three months. Once operational, it is intended to receive the city’s solid waste and end the continued dumping of garbage at the existing site between I-10 and I-11.
Officials have also referred to a permanent waste disposal site on Chak Beli Road in Rawalpindi district, where waste can be transported for final disposal.
Waste Collection Fees Also Under Discussion
The government is considering a user-fee system for waste collection, with separate charges proposed for urban residential sectors and rural areas.
The minister said that a fair payment system would help cover the cost of municipal services and support their long-term operation. However, the final fee structure and implementation details have not been confirmed.
The government has also awarded a waste management contract for Islamabad’s rural areas, including Zones III and IV, to a Turkish company. Extending an organised waste management system to the city’s urban sectors is planned for a later phase.
What This Means for Islamabad
Moving accumulated garbage to a designated facility could help reduce the pollution and unpleasant smells affecting areas around I-10 and I-11. However, the long-term impact will depend on whether waste is collected regularly, transported safely and disposed of at approved sites.
The next key step is to make the I-9 facility operational and ensure that the existing dumping site is cleared as planned.
