Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 8: In a dedicated effort to ensure an eco-friendly Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2024, the Directorate of Rural Sanitation (DRS), under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj J&K, has adopted a novel approach to sanitation management.
As per a handout issued by the Directorate, since June 27th, over 7,000 sanitation workers have been engaged to maintain cleanliness and uphold a zero-landfill policy along the pilgrimage routes. The department has integrated a comprehensive strategy, focusing on men, machinery, mechanism, maintenance, monitoring and motivation to achieve sustainable sanitation. This holistic approach ensures efficient waste management and promotes a cleaner environment for the thousands of pilgrims participating in the Yatra.
As of today, 43.30 tonnes of wet waste have been collected on Pahalgam and Baltal Axes out of which 43.17 tonnes of waste have been processed and 0.01 tonnes have been sent to EFL. Similarly, 43.85 tonnes of dry waste have been collected from Pahalgam and Baltal Axes and of which 42.55 tonnes have been processed and 0.00 tonnes sent to EFL.
The concerted efforts of the waste management teams have yielded impressive results in managing plastic, wet, and inert waste along the pilgrimage route as a total of 43.30 tonnes of plastic waste has been collected. This waste has been efficiently bailed and securely stacked at designated locations. The collected plastic waste would be supplied to registered recyclers and the non- recyclable plastic would be supplied to Ultra Tech Cement Plant where it is mixed with conventional fuel to form blended fuel, which would be used in kilns during clinker production process.
The wet waste is being processed in composting beds, following best practices to produce high-quality manure. The manure would be supplied to Agriculture Department as an alternative to chemicals and fertilizers. This initiative not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by generating valuable compost and promoting organic farming.
As far as inert waste is concern, 27.43 tonnes have been generated of which 24 tonnes have been responsibly disposed of at the Achan dumping site of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and additional 3 tonnes of inert waste have been loaded into compactors for further processing.
“These waste management initiatives are part of the broader commitment to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the pilgrimage route,” Director General Rural Sanitation J&K, Anoo Malhotra said, adding, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the waste management teams, local authorities, and volunteers, have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.
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