 Early Times Report
PAHALGAM, June 13: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today conducted an extensive review of sanitation arrangements along the Pahalgam axis, from Nunwan Base Camp to Pissutop and Zojibal, in preparation for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026.
During the visit, the Secretary inspected the sanitation infrastructure, including toilets and bath units installed at Nunwan, Chandanwari, Pissutop and Zojibal, to assess the pace and quality of ongoing works. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite progress and ensure timely completion of all sanitation assets as per the prescribed timelines. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in and around the tented accommodations housing sanitation personnel.
Highlighting the scale of preparations, the Secretary said that the department has planned comprehensive sanitation arrangements along the Pahalgam axis to facilitate the smooth conduct of SANJY 2026. A total of 3,120 sanitation assets, comprising 2,755 toilets and 365 bath units, are being installed across key locations from Nunwan to Panjtarni to ensure better hygiene, convenience and comfort for pilgrims. He informed that major sanitation facilities have been established at Panjtarni, Sheshnag, Chandanwari and Nunwan Base Camp. Additional facilities are also being created at Pissutop, Zojibal, Wawbal, MG Top, Poshpathri and Bijbehara to further strengthen sanitation coverage along the Yatra route.
Aijaz Asad directed that dedicated sanitation teams be deployed at huts maintained by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board to ensure regular and efficient cleaning throughout the Yatra period.
Reviewing the quality of infrastructure being created, he instructed that all toilets and bath units must be equipped with proper latches, door panels, bath fittings, electrical arrangements and drainage systems to provide safe, functional and hygienic facilities to the pilgrims.
To strengthen solid waste management systems, the Secretary directed the concerned agencies to expedite wall-matting works and ensure timely installation of all required machinery at Solid Waste Management (SWM) sites.
He also chaired a detailed review meeting with officers of line departments and executing agencies at Pahalgam, stressing the need for timely completion of all sanitation assets and reiterating the objective of conducting a "Zero Landfill Yatra."
The Secretary was accompanied by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; ACD Anantnag, Shafiq Ahmad Wani; Block Development Officers and other field officials during the visit.
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