In Order to maintain sanitation and clean environment during the yatra, a scientific environmental plan has been put in place to meet the challenge of waste produced by pilgrims.In this regard, sanitation & waste management has been already planned for Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2020 by the administration.
To review the sanitation for the SANYJ and functioning of waste management plants established at different locations enroute to holy cave, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today visited Liquid Food Waste Management Plant Baltal, Compressing and Bailing of plastic and solid Dry waste facility at Domail Baltal and Solid waste management plant of Sonamarg Development Authority at Nilgrat.
On the occasion, Div Com was informed that Solid waste management plant of Sonamarg Development Authority at Nilgrat processes 25 truck of waste daily.Div Com appreciated waste management and sanitation on Baltal axis and emphasized that role of SDA, Rural Sanitation and SWAHA NGO is vital for overall cleanliness.
It was informed that Waste Generated along the Yatra Routes is of two types including Biomedical Waste and Muncipal waste.It was further informed that biomedical Waste is being lifted from the Health Facilities (MACs and EACs) on ponnies to Base Hospitals where from it is lifted by vehicles to Common BioMedical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF) Lassipora Pulwama.
While Biodegradable Waste is lifted and disposed off into Aerated Pits and Non-Biodegradable Waste is collected by Labourers (3 for every Km and 1 for every Langar), lifted on ponnies and shifted to Solid-waste Treatment Plant (STPs) for final treatment at Sarbal Pahalgam and Sarbal Sonamarg.
Moreover, it was informed that additional Facilities have been put in place like at Sonamarg 1 MT capacity per day magnetic disintegrator has been installed. Similarly, in Srinagar at Pantha Chowk Yatra Camp two compactor Vehicles deployed along with 10 hopper vehicles The waste collected is being taken to Achan Dumping site.
Moreover, 200 colour coded twin bins (Blue & green) have been also installed. In addition, 15 suction vehicles have been deployed to clear the sludge besides 7 water-tanker vehicles have been made available for the camp.
Also, 3 Shedder Machines have been installed which decreases the volume of solid waste before its final disposal. One each such machine is being utilized at Panjtarni, Baltal and Nunwan.
It was further informed that two Bio-compost Machines (one at Baltal & other at Nunwan) have been made available for supplementing the Waste Management Activities.Rural Sanitation Department has provided 1073 Sanitation workers on Baltal Side and 956 Sanitation workers on Pahalgam side.
In addition Pahalgam Development Authority has contributed 105 Sanitation workers and Sonmarg Development Authority has provided 140 Sanitation workers.Also, 3950 Toilets have been installed and made available for Yatris within the five districts.Div Com was informed that SASB, SDA and PDA also ensure that the tents, langers and toilets are pitched at least 50 feet away from the banks of water bodies.