As per official data, Jammu and Kashmir received just Rs 1.40 billion ($17 million) under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), despite an allocation of Rs 6.3 billion ($76 million). Similarly, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), only Rs 5.02 billion ($60 million) was released out of the allocated Rs 8.5 billion ($102 million). This persistent shortfall has hindered efforts to tackle landfill burdens and scientific waste disposal.

A year-wise breakdown of fund allocation and release shows inconsistencies:

2019-20: Rs 2.51 billion allocated, Rs 1.2 billion released 2020-21: Rs 3.1 billion allocated, Rs 1.32 billion released 2021-22: Rs 2.89 billion allocated, Rs 1.25 billion released 2022-23: Rs 3.42 billion allocated, Rs 1.41 billion released 2023-24: Rs 2.87 billion allocated, Rs 1.22 billion released

Despite the central government's role in providing financial aid and technical assistance, the disparity in fund disbursement highlights challenges in achieving a sustainable waste management system. While nationwide efforts under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 aim to remediate 2,417 dumpsites, including those in J&K, progress remains slow due to financial and logistical constraints.

With India generating 162,000 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, of which 80% is processed, experts stress the need for timely fund release and efficient utilisation to improve waste management in Jammu and Kashmir.