Governor urges pilgrims to shun polythene during yatra

SRINAGAR: Governor NN Vohra, Chairman, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), has appealed to pilgrims and all stakeholders of the Amarnath yatra to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the entire area, from the base camps onwards, to preserve the natural environment.

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 23

Governor NN Vohra, Chairman, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), has appealed to pilgrims and all stakeholders of the Amarnath yatra to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the entire area, from the base camps onwards, to preserve the natural environment.

The Governor has particularly requested the stakeholders not to use polythene or any other non-biodegradable materials during the annual pilgrimage, which is scheduled to commence on July 2.

Signages are being put up at the two base camps and along the yatra routes to urge pilgrims to respect the environment and do nothing to pollute it. An elaborate list of ‘dos and don’ts’ has been issued by the shrine board, asking the pilgrims to put all waste materials in the nearest dustbin. It also informs them that the use of plastic is banned in the state.

To promote an environment-friendly yatra, the shrine board has, in consultation with the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board, finalised an action plan for collection and disposal of the waste generated during the Amarnath yatra.

All solid waste generated during the yatra would be managed by the Pahalgam Development Authority, Sonamarg Development Authority and the shrine board, in the areas of their respective responsibilities.

For scientific treatment of waste water or sewage, two sewage treatment plants based on decentralised waste water treatment technology, have been commissioned at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

The treatment units of these sewage treatment plants include collection tanks, anaerobic baffled reactors, reed beds etc. The shrine board would be setting up 2,634 toilets and 455 baths at various camps and along the yatra routes this year.

On the directions of the Chairman, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer PK Tripathi has urged deputy commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag districts, Chief Executive Officers of the Pahalgam Development Authority and the Sonamarg Development Authority and general manager (works) of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, to keep a close watch for ensuring the segregation of the collected waste material into biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and transport the non- biodegradable wastes to the identified collection centres, for their proper disposal.