BALTAL, JULY 2: Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of India, today visited the Baltal axis to review the sanitation arrangements and solid waste management plan put in place for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026, which commenced today.
On his arrival, Shri Soan was received by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Jammu & Kashmir, Anoo Malhotra.
During the visit, he inspected the sanitation infrastructure and facilities established along the Baltal axis and reviewed the preparedness of the sanitation workforce and support systems to ensure a clean, hygienic and environmentally sustainable pilgrimage.
The Additional Secretary also visited the Solid Waste Management Plant at Domail Camp, where he took stock of the mechanisms for collection, segregation, processing and scientific disposal of waste generated during the Yatra.
He interacted with sanitation workers and appreciated their commitment and dedicated services in maintaining cleanliness despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Later, Shri Soan inaugurated the IEC Exhibition under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) at the Baltal Base Camp. The exhibition featured a biogas model, waste-to-art displays, the Bartan Bank and several awareness stalls highlighting sustainable sanitation practices and responsible waste management.
As part of the Swachh Yatra campaign, nearly 1.5 lakh jute bags will be distributed among pilgrims to discourage the use of single-use plastic and polythene, promoting environmentally responsible practices during the pilgrimage.
Shri Soan appreciated the comprehensive sanitation and solid waste management arrangements put in place by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of RD & PR, Jammu & Kashmir, and emphasized the importance of sustained cleanliness, effective waste management and public participation in making Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 a clean, green and eco-friendly pilgrimage.
Assitant Commissioner Panchayat Ganderbal, Sanitation Officers and other officials from SBM G and JJM accompanied the Additional Secretary during the visit.
