BALTAL: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Saturday conducted an extensive review of sanitation arrangements and allied facilities along the Baltal axis to assess preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.
The Secretary undertook a field inspection from Baltal Base Camp to the Holy Cave Shrine and Panjtarni, covering key locations including Baltal, Domail, Rail Pathri, Brari Marg, Kali Mata Track, Sangam Top, Sangam Down, the Holy Cave Shrine and Panjtarni.
He was accompanied by Anoo Malhotra, sanitation officers deployed along the route and other departmental officials.
Beginning the tour from Baltal Base Camp, Aijaz Asad reviewed sanitation infrastructure and facilities established along the entire Baltal route. At the Holy Cave Shrine and Panjtarni, he took stock of sanitation arrangements, public amenities and infrastructure being put in place for pilgrims.
During the inspection, the Secretary reviewed sanitation facilities, health camps, solid waste management systems and other essential services. He stressed that all facilities must remain fully functional and operational well before the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
He was informed that a four-stream waste segregation system has been introduced for scientific management of waste generated during the Yatra. Emphasising environmental sustainability, the Secretary directed officials to strictly implement waste segregation protocols and maintain cleanliness throughout the route.
The Secretary inspected toilets, washrooms, dustbins, grey water drainage systems, wet waste segregation sites and plastic waste management units. He also reviewed the placement of dustbins at strategic locations to facilitate waste disposal at source and promote cleanliness among pilgrims.
At the Holy Cave Shrine area, he directed officials to ensure regular cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of toilets and bathing facilities so that hygienic and dignified amenities remain available throughout the Yatra period.
Reviewing the deployment of sanitation staff, Aijaz Asad instructed officers to ensure adequate manpower at all locations and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness. He said all tracks leading to the Holy Cave should remain clean, hygienic and pilgrim-friendly at all times.
The Secretary also directed that dedicated toilet facilities for women pilgrims be earmarked at all major locations with proper and clearly visible signage to ensure accessibility, convenience and dignity for female devotees.
Calling for stronger waste management measures, he advocated a zero-landfill approach along the entire pilgrimage route to minimise environmental impact and promote scientific disposal of waste.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to providing safe, clean and efficient facilities to pilgrims, the Secretary stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholder departments and agencies to ensure smooth and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
