Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Friday visited the Baltal Base Camp to undertake a comprehensive review of sanitation and solid waste management arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
During the visit, he took first-hand feedback from Yatris on sanitation, cleanliness and other civic facilities while inspecting the preparedness of key sanitation infrastructure, including the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plant, sanitation assets and the Tent City.
The visit coincided with the commencement of the annual pilgrimage, with the first batch of devotees proceeding from the Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps to the Holy Cave Shrine. Interacting with Yatris at various locations across the base camp, the Secretary welcomed the pilgrims and sought their feedback on the facilities being provided.
He also interacted with Langarwallas and sought their suggestions for further improving sanitation and civic arrangements. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring a clean, safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.
Reviewing the functioning of the SWM Plant, Aijaz Asad assessed the systems for waste collection, segregation, processing and scientific disposal. He also inspected sanitation assets deployed across the Yatra route to ensure their operational readiness and the uninterrupted delivery of sanitation services throughout the pilgrimage.
While interacting with sanitation workers and field functionaries, the Secretary appreciated their dedicated efforts and directed the concerned officers to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, stressing that efficient sanitation and waste management are critical to the safety, convenience and well-being of pilgrims.
Aijaz Asad also visited the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Exhibition Centre, where he reviewed several environmentally sustainable initiatives introduced for this year’s Yatra. These included the Bartan Bank, promoting the use of reusable utensils to reduce single-use plastic; the Akhand Jyot, powered by biogas generated from mule dung; and the SANJY Tableau, showcasing the Department’s model for sustainable pilgrimage management.
At the Tent City, the Secretary inspected sanitation arrangements and reviewed the availability and operational status of sanitation machinery, equipment and consumables. He directed officials to ensure adequate deployment and optimum functioning of all sanitation assets throughout the pilgrimage to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
Emphasizing environmental stewardship, Aijaz Asad said that efficient solid waste management and green initiatives are integral to making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra environmentally responsible and sustainable. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to maintaining exemplary standards of sanitation and environmental protection so that devotees can undertake the sacred pilgrimage in a clean, safe and eco-friendly environment.