Amarnath Yatra to adopt stricter waste management, plastic ban measures

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday launched the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s “Shubham–Shivam” Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign at the Baltal base camp, unveiling a series of environmental protection measures aimed at making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra sustainable, clean and zero-landfill.

The initiative introduces a range of eco-friendly interventions, digital tools and waste-management systems designed to reduce the environmental footprint of the annual pilgrimage while preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem along the yatra routes.

Addressing the launch ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor described the campaign as a major step towards achieving a clean and environmentally responsible pilgrimage. He emphasized that protecting the ecology and natural resources associated with the yatra was a collective responsibility of pilgrims, langar operators, service providers and government agencies.

Focus on waste reduction and circular economy

Among the key environmental initiatives unveiled was the “Trayambakam” mobile application, which will allow pilgrims to report waste or litter by uploading photographs from any location along the pilgrimage route, enabling authorities to take immediate action.

The administration also introduced several circular economy measures aimed at minimizing waste generation. These include the “Swaha” utensil bank, through which steel plates and cups will be provided against a refundable security deposit to reduce the use of disposable items.

Another initiative, the “Amarnath Seva Cafe,” seeks to encourage active public participation in waste management. Pilgrims and visitors will be able to exchange collected plastic waste for tea and snacks, creating incentives for keeping pilgrimage routes clean.

Strict sanitation framework announced

The Lieutenant Governor announced a comprehensive regulatory framework for environmental management during the yatra. The measures include:

• Four-way segregation of waste at source.

• A complete ban on single-use plastic.

• Prescribed sanitation standards for all langars and camps.

• Enhanced waste collection and disposal systems aimed at ensuring a zero-landfill pilgrimage.

Officials said the measures are intended to strengthen environmental protection across the Baltal and Pahalgam routes and prevent the accumulation of waste in ecologically sensitive areas.

Sanitation workers hailed

Sinha paid tribute to sanitation workers and volunteers engaged in maintaining cleanliness during the pilgrimage, describing them as the backbone of the initiative.

He said the efforts of sanitation teams and Karmyogi volunteers would be crucial in keeping the base camps and trekking routes clean and in translating the administration’s zero-waste vision into reality.

“The preservation of the environment and the spiritual dignity of the pilgrimage go hand in hand,” he said.

New awareness campaign launched

As part of the environmental awareness drive, the Lieutenant Governor also unveiled the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s new website, official logo, mascot and the pilgrimage anthem, “Swachhta Dharma Hamara.”

According to officials, the awareness campaign aims to promote responsible pilgrim behaviour and reinforce the message that environmental conservation is an integral part of the yatra experience.

Senior officials present at the event included K.N. Rai, Member of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg; DG Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra and other civil and police officers.