Srinagar, July 21, 2025: The Amarnath Yatra 2025, which commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, is setting a new benchmark for environmental sustainability through robust waste management initiatives. With thousands of pilgrims trekking to the sacred Amarnath Cave at 3,880 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir government, is prioritising proper waste segregation and disposal to transform the pilgrimage into a zero-landfill, eco-friendly journey.
Comprehensive Waste Management StrategySince the yatra’s start, over 144,140 kg of waste has been collected along the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam, with 141,530 kg already processed, according to officials. The waste management strategy includes segregation at source into wet, dry, and inert waste, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Key initiatives include:
- Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Pilgrims are provided with cloth and jute bags to replace plastic and polythene, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste.
- Waste Processing Facilities: Fifteen waste processing centres, including four dedicated plastic waste collection points, have been established along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes to handle the large quantities of waste generated. Wet waste is processed through composting, while dry waste is segregated into recyclable and non-recyclable streams, such as PET, HDPE, and cardboard, using baling machines.
- Water ATMs: Six Water ATMs installed at base camps and en route reduce the use of PET bottles, promoting sustainable hydration options.
- Sanitation Workforce: Over 7,000 sanitation workers, supported by 600 trained staff and 25 supervisors, operate in three shifts to ensure cleanliness at base camps, routes, and resting points.
Director General of Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, emphasised, “Our concerted efforts ensure that all waste is collected, processed, and diverted from landfills, maintaining the sanctity of this spiritual journey.” The processed wet waste is converted into high-quality compost for organic farming, while inert waste is responsibly disposed of at designated sites like the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s Achan dumping site.
Technology and Awareness for Sustainability
The initiative integrates robust Information, Education, and Communication strategies to promote responsible waste disposal among pilgrims. The Pilgrim Mobile App, developed for the yatra, provides real-time information on waste collection points, sanitation facilities, and weather updates, along with a grievance redressal system. Only nine complaints were recorded in the first 20 days, all resolved swiftly, reflecting the effectiveness of these measures.
Pilgrims have lauded the efforts, with many appreciating the clean routes and sustainable kits.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
The Amarnath Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage, has historically posed environmental challenges due to the influx of devotees generating substantial waste. Past concerns, such as plastic pollution and untreated waste in the Lidder and Sindh rivers, have prompted stricter regulations. The 2025 yatra builds on the success of previous years, with measures like a plastic ban, twin-bin systems at every 50 meters, and solar-powered cookers reducing fossil fuel use.
The SASB and the Directorate of Rural Sanitation have prioritised the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, with initiatives like 2,245 toilet units and 235 bathing points along the Pahalgam route and 1,660 toilet points and 490 bathing units along the Baltal route. These facilities ensure sanitation while minimising ecological harm.
A Model for Sustainable Pilgrimages
The Amarnath Yatra’s zero-landfill approach, first achieved in 2022, has become a model for sustainable pilgrimages nationwide. Collaborative efforts with local communities, service providers, and startups like SWAHA and Daystar have enhanced waste processing and introduced eco-friendly technologies. The Jammu and Kashmir government aims to replicate this model for other religious and tourist sites, aligning with India’s broader green initiatives.
Conclusion
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 exemplifies how faith and environmental stewardship can coexist. Through meticulous waste segregation, advanced processing facilities, and public awareness campaigns, the pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also a testament to sustainable practices. As pilgrims chant “Bam Bam Bhole” en route to the holy cave, the clean trails and eco-conscious measures ensure that the pristine Himalayan landscape remains untainted for future generations.
