Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today concluded a comprehensive two-day end-to-end on-foot inspection of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route, traversing both the traditional Pahalgam axis and the Baltal axis to review sanitation arrangements and ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and waste management throughout the pilgrimage corridor.
The inspection commenced from the Nunwan Base Camp on the Pahalgam axis and culminated at the Baltal Base Camp after covering the entire Yatra route upto the Holy Cave. Undertaken entirely on foot across the challenging Himalayan terrain, the inspection enabled the Secretary to personally assess sanitation facilities, cleanliness, waste management systems and the functioning of field teams at every major transit point, camp and halt along both Yatra routes.
On the Pahalgam axis, the Secretary inspected sanitation arrangements at Nunwan Base Camp, Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal, Nagarkoti, Sheshnag, Wavbal, MG Top, Poshpathri, Dardkot, Kelnar, Panjtarni, Sangam Top, Lower Holy Cave and Upper Holy Cave.
During the inspection, he thoroughly reviewed the condition and maintenance of toilet and bathing facilities, waste collection and disposal systems, cleanliness of camps, deployment of sanitation workers and the overall upkeep of sanitation infrastructure established for the Yatra.
He also interacted extensively with sanitation personnel on the ground and issued necessary directions to ensure uninterrupted sanitation services despite the difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and heavy pilgrim footfall.
After completing the inspection of the Holy Cave area, the Secretary descended via the Baltal axis, continuing the inspection on foot through Kalimata Track, Y Junction, Brarimarg, Rail Pathri, Domail Camp and Baltal Base Camp.
At each location, he examined the functioning of toilets and bathing units, reviewed solid waste management systems, monitored the cleanliness of camps and assessed the deployment of sanitation personnel to ensure that the Baltal route was being maintained to the highest standards of hygiene.
Throughout the two-day journey, Muhammad Aijaz Asad interacted with Yatris, Langar operators, sanitation workers and field officials to obtain first-hand feedback regarding the facilities being provided and valuable suggestions for further improvement from the Yatris on track.
The Secretary assured them that administration is fully committed to make the best experience for every Yatri. During the inspection, the Secretary issued on-the-spot directions to officers and executing agencies for top notch sanitation arrangements.
Stressing that cleanliness is integral to the success of the pilgrimage as well as the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he directed field functionaries to ensure uninterrupted sanitation services throughout the Yatra.
He emphasised that all toilet and bathing facilities must remain fully functional, waste should be collected, transported and scientifically disposed of in a timely manner, and sanitation workers should remain deployed round the clock at all designated locations.
He further instructed the concerned agencies to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness despite the challenging terrain and increasing pilgrim influx. The Secretary also reviewed sanitation arrangements at the Holy Cave, where he took stock of the facilities available for pilgrims and directed the concerned officers to ensure continuous monitoring and immediate response to any sanitation-related issues.
Warning against any negligence, he made it clear that any lapse in maintaining sanitation facilities during the Yatra would be viewed seriously and appropriate action would be taken against the officials responsible.
The Secretary said that the purpose of the exhaustive two-day on-foot inspection was to ensure that both the Pahalgam and Baltal Yatra routes remain clean, hygienic and environmentally sustainable, enabling pilgrims to undertake the sacred pilgrimage in safe, dignified and comfortable manner while preserving the pristine Himalayan environment.
The Secretary was accompanied during different stretches of the inspection by Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra, Assistant Commissioner Development, Anantnag, Shafiq Ahmad, district officers, sanitation officials and other field functionaries.