Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, on Tuesday conducted an extensive tour of Baltal base camp, Domail and Neelgrath to assess the sanitation facilities being put in place along the Sonamarg axis for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY), 2024, scheduled to commence on 29th of this month.
During the visit, the Secretary was accompanied by Director General (DG) Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, Director Rural Development Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat, ACD Ganderbal, Dr. Bashir Ahmad and other field officers. Dr Shahid reviewed installation and functionality of various sanitation infrastructures including the toilets, washrooms, dustbins, drainage for grey water disposal, segregation of wet waste site, plastic waste management site and other sanitation facilities on the Baltal axis.
He examined the installation of dustbins around the base camp and yatra route to ensure effective waste disposal, segregation of waste at source and promote cleanliness among the pilgrims. The Secretary also inspected the newly established toilets to ensure they meet the standards for hygiene and accessibility.
He also reviewed the availability and reliability of electrical connections to ensure that all sanitation facilities, especially those that rely on electricity, operate without interruption. Dr Shahid directed the officers to keep sufficient vehicles available for transporting wet waste from langar sites.
He had also an elabortae discussion on logistics for waste collection and transportation to maintain a clean environment during the yatra. He emphasized the importance of an effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategy to promote proper use of sanitation facilities among the pilgrims.
During the meeting, plans for awareness campaigns and educational materials were discussed to enhance effectiveness of sanitation efforts besides alternative to Single Use Plastic (SUP), polythene bags and scientific disposal of biomedical waste was also deliberated upon. Dr Shahid stressed the need for well-trained personnel to ensure continuous upkeep of the facilities.
He expressed satisfaction over the progress made, so far, and highlighted the importance of maintaining these standards throughout the pilgrimage season. He reiterated the department's commitment towards providing a clean and hygienic environment for all Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims. He said that the department is dedicated to ensure that every pilgrim has access to the best possible sanitation facilities.