Jammu and Kashmir has faced a significant shortfall in waste management funds under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with only Rs 6.42 billion ($100 million) disbursed against an allocation of Rs 14.81 billion ($180 million) over the past five years. This funding gap, revealed in Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on February 10, 2025, has raised concerns over waste collection, sorting, and disposal infrastructure in the region.

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.