Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, July 13, 2025 – The Ramban district administration has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure round-the-clock sanitation and cleanliness along the Amarnath Yatra route, prioritizing a safe and hygienic environment for pilgrims during the ongoing pilgrimage. According to Mohammed Ashfaq Khanji, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat and Nodal Officer for sanitation, over 1,200 washrooms and approximately 200 sanitation workers have been deployed across eight lodgment centers in rural areas and other key points to maintain hygiene at langar sites and base camps.
The Amarnath Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine in south Kashmir, began on July 3, 2025, and is set to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Despite a 10.19% drop in registrations following a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, over 1.82 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine in the first ten days, with 7,049 departing from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 13. The administration’s efforts, supported by the Jal Shakti department, ensure sufficient water supply and eco-friendly waste management, aligning with a zero-waste initiative to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, also chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, has been instrumental in overseeing preparations, including sanitation, security, and healthcare, to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience. His recent reviews at Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps emphasized robust logistical arrangements, with over 5,600 sanitation units and 7,361 workers deployed across the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
The administration’s collaboration with organizations like Swaaha Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. at Baltal further supports eco-friendly waste disposal, converting waste into nutrient-rich compost and creating temporary employment for locals.Security remains a priority following the April 22 attack, with 50,000 personnel, drone surveillance, and facial recognition systems in place. Despite challenges like a recent bus collision in Ramban injuring 36 pilgrims, the administration ensured prompt medical care and continued the yatra without disruption. These efforts reflect the commitment of the Ramban administration and LG Manoj Sinha to provide a safe, clean, and fulfilling pilgrimage for devotees.
