Srinagar: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, along with MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, on Saturday visited the base camp Nunwan to review the arrangements made for smooth conduct of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra .
The dignitaries inspected the sanitation infrastructure, public facilities and sustainability measures put in place by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation to ensure a clean, safe and dignified experience for the pilgrims.
Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Aijaz Asad, Director General Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra and senior officers of the Rural Development Department also accompanied the Minister.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with the sanitation workers deployed across various points. He lauded their outstanding contribution in maintaining hygiene and healthy environment along the Yatra route.
A special highlight of the visit was the felicitation of a local hero, who displayed exemplary courage during the recent Pahalgam incident. He was honoured with a cheque of appreciation by the department and also recognized as the Brand Ambassador for Sanitation during this year’s Yatra.
The Minister also took stock of several digital and eco-friendly initiatives including introduction of QR code-based feedback systems at toilet blocks for instant grievance redressal and a sanitation feedback kiosk for the yatris.
Other initiatives included installation of Water ATMs to reduce single-use plastic bottles, distribution of eco-friendly cloth bag kits, enhanced toilet and bathing facilities and dedicated sanitation areas for female pilgrims with female supervisors.
On the occasion, a Nukkad Natak promoting awareness on cleanliness and environmental responsibility was also staged and appreciated by all.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Waste Management Facility at Sarbal, Pahalgam. The utility has been set up to manage the growing volume of waste; estimated at 4 tonnes of dry waste and 7 tonnes of wet waste daily from the Nunwan Base Camp area.
The facility has been equipped with hydraulic bailing machines, automated vertical rammers (AVRs), dual shaft shredders, solid-liquid separators (SLGs) and compost beds for efficient segregation and processing. This initiative is a key step towards realizing the government’s vision of Zero Landfill and ensuring a Sustainable Amarnath Yatra.