PAHALGAM: In a concerted effort to ensure top-notch sanitation facilities for the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024, Ms. Anoo Malhotra, Director General Rural Sanitation, Jammu & Kashmir, conducted a comprehensive two-day visit to the Pahalgam axis. Her visit aimed to review and enhance the sanitation measures in place for the pilgrims.
During her visit, the DG actively engaged with the pilgrims and distributed cloth bags to promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives and reduce plastic waste. She emphasized the importance of sustainable practices and urged pilgrims to contribute to maintaining the pristine environment of the holy site.
She also inspected the water quality at Water ATMs installed at Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps. Ensuring the availability of safe and clean drinking water is a top priority, and her checks were part of the broader initiative to safeguard the health of the pilgrims.
The visit included a detailed inspection of the waste management facilities. Ms. Malhotra assessed the efficiency of waste collection and processing mechanisms, ensuring that they align with the objectives of sustainable sanitation and zero landfill.
Furthermore, the DG visited several langars (community kitchens) to gather direct feedback from the langar operators regarding the sanitation services made available for them. This interaction provided valuable insights into the challenges faced and the necessary improvements to enhance the overall experience for the pilgrims.
At Chandwari DG interacted with sanitation workers, supervisors and took detailed feedback from nodal officer Chandanwari. She also interacted with pilgrims who were returning from holy cave and received feedback from them also. Nodal Officer Chandanwari Mohammad Iqbal Daing briefed the DG about the different initiatives taken to achieve sustainable sanitation and zero landfill.
The DG also awarded Mr. Faisal Ahmad, Sanitation Supervisor in recognition of exemplary service and commitment. Faisal remained stationed at Nunwan basecamp to ensuring top-notch sanitation facilities for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris, skipping his own Nikkah Ceremony, which he attended virtually.
In recognition of his exceptional dedication, Faisal was awarded a certificate of outstanding commitment and a shawl as a token of appreciation each from Ms. Anoo Malhotra, Director General and Zaheer Abas, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Anantnag.
The visit underscores the commitment of the Rural Sanitation Department of J&K to providing a safe, clean, and environmentally sustainable pilgrimage experience for all devotees. DG was accompanied by ACP Zaheer Abas, Nodal Officer, Pahalgam Axis, Ashfeen Ali, Nodal Officer Nunwan Basecamp Mudasir Gul, Nodal Officer, Chandanwari Mohd Iqbal Daing and other officials.
