Srinagar: Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Monday reviewed sanitation infrastructure and waste management arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 at a high-level meeting attended by senior officers from the concerned departments and district administrations.
The meeting reviewed the installation of prefabricated toilets and baths, manpower mobilization, waste management measures and utility support along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Officials informed the meeting that the Directorate of Rural Sanitation is deploying 5,618 sanitation units, including 4,707 toilets and 911 baths, while district administrations will install an additional 723 toilets, taking the total sanitation infrastructure for the Yatra to 6,341 units.
Stressing that the Yatra is a sacred spiritual journey, Aijaz Asad called upon all stakeholders to perform their duties with dedication and a spirit of service.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is not merely a pilgrimage but a sacred journey of faith, demanding our utmost commitment to cleanliness, dignity and service,” he said.
He added that the objective is to make the annual pilgrimage a “Swachh Yatra” by ensuring clean routes, hygienic sanitation facilities and efficient waste management systems for pilgrims.
The Secretary directed executing agencies to expedite all ongoing works and ensure that sanitation facilities are fully operational well before the commencement of the Yatra. He also emphasized timely mobilization and verification of sanitation staff deployed for sanitation operations, maintenance, cleaning and waste management.
Reviewing departmental responsibilities, Asad stressed the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure uninterrupted availability of water, electricity, desludging services and other essential utilities at all camp locations.
He further directed designated nodal officers to closely monitor infrastructure deployment and promptly address any bottlenecks that may arise during the preparatory phase.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the Secretary called for scientific disposal of animal carcasses, proper management of mule dung and biomedical waste, and advance placement of sanitation equipment, including at the Holy Cave area.
Emphasising workforce welfare, Asad directed executing agencies to ensure timely provision of food, adequate clothing and medical assistance to sanitation workers operating in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
He observed that the well-being of sanitation workers is critical to the success of sanitation operations and the overall objective of providing a clean, safe and dignified pilgrimage experience to devotees undertaking Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
