SRINAGAR, JUNE 1: Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today 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 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 to 6,341 units.

Stressing that the Yatra is a sacred spiritual journey, the Secretary called upon all stakeholders to perform their duties with dedication and a spirit of service. He said Shri Amarnath Yatra ji is not merely a pilgrimage but a sacred journey of faith, demanding our utmost commitment to cleanliness, dignity and service.

He added the objective is to make the Amarnath Yatra a “Swachh Yatra” by ensuring clean routes, hygienic sanitation facilities, and efficient waste management systems for pilgrims. 

The Secretary directed executing agencies to expedite ongoing works and ensure that all facilities are fully operational well before the commencement of the Yatra. He also emphasized timely mobilization and verification of the sanitation staff being deployed for sanitation operations, maintenance, cleaning and waste management.

Reviewing departmental responsibilities, he stressed close inter-departmental coordination to ensure uninterrupted availability of water, electricity, desludging services, and other essential utilities at all camp locations.

The Secretary also directed designated Nodal Officers to closely monitor infrastructure deployment and promptly address any bottlenecks. Highlighting environmental concerns, he 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.

Emphasizing workforce welfare, he directed executing agencies to ensure timely provision of food, adequate clothing and medical assistance to sanitation workers operating in challenging terrain and weather conditions, noting that their well-being is critical to the success of sanitation operations.