Srinagar, July 10, 2025 – As the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 continues to draw thousands of devotees to the sacred cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, sanitation teams have swung into action at Pissu Top along the Baltal axis, clearing waste and disinfecting paths to ensure a hygienic and safe passage for yatris. This dedicated effort is part of a broader initiative by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, to achieve a sustainable and zero-waste pilgrimage, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s vision of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
The 38-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, has already seen over 1.11 lakh pilgrims visit the holy cave shrine at 3,880 meters above sea level. The challenging terrain of Pissu Top, a critical point on the 14-kilometer Baltal route, has been a focus of sanitation efforts to maintain cleanliness and ensure the safety of pilgrims navigating the steep and rugged path.
Robust Sanitation Initiatives at Pissu Top
Sanitation teams at Pissu Top have been working tirelessly to clear waste and disinfect pathways, creating a clean and safe environment for yatris. The Directorate of Rural Sanitation has deployed 7,361 sanitation workers across the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, with a significant focus on high-traffic areas like Pissu Top. These workers are responsible for maintaining over 5,600 toilets and bathing units, including 2,693 units along the Baltal axis, ensuring round-the-clock cleanliness.
A total of 114.57 tons of waste has been collected from the pilgrimage routes since the yatra began, with 43.30 tons of plastic compacted and stored for recycling, 43.85 tons of wet waste processed into compost for organic farming, and 27.43 tons of inert waste responsibly managed, including 24 tons disposed of at the Achan dumping site in Srinagar. At Pissu Top, advanced waste management facilities, including hydraulic bailing machines, automated vertical rammers, dual shaft shredders, and solid-liquid separators, have been deployed to ensure efficient waste segregation and processing, supporting the goal of a zero-landfill yatra.
Anoo Malhotra, Director General of Rural Sanitation, emphasised the importance of these efforts, stating, “These waste management initiatives are integral to our commitment to preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the pilgrimage routes.” The department’s Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on June 30, 2025, at Baltal, further promotes eco-friendly practices through tools like the Yatra Logo, Anthem, Trinetra App, and a dedicated website (www.shriamarnathjiyatra.com) (www.shriamarnathjiyatra.com), encouraging pilgrims to participate in maintaining a clean environment.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Community Support
The sanitation efforts at Pissu Top are complemented by broader infrastructure improvements along the Baltal route. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Rural Development Department have established 15 solid waste processing facilities across the yatra routes, ensuring efficient waste management. Additional measures include QR code-based feedback systems at toilet blocks, Water ATMs to reduce single-use plastic, eco-friendly cloth bag kits, and dedicated sanitation areas for female pilgrims with female supervisors.
Local communities have also played a vital role in supporting the yatra’s cleanliness drive. On July 6, residents from Srinagar traveled 30 kilometers to Nuner village on the Baltal-Srinagar road to offer cold drinks and pure drinking water to returning yatris, fostering a spirit of hospitality and cooperation. These efforts, combined with the sanitation teams’ work at Pissu Top, have created a welcoming and hygienic environment for pilgrims.
Commitment to a Swachh Yatra
The sanitation initiatives at Pissu Top reflect the administration’s commitment to a “Swachh Yatra” under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during his visit to Baltal, highlighted the importance of cleanliness alongside security, stating, “Ensuring the comfort of yatris is as vital as their security.” The Directorate of Rural Sanitation has also introduced innovative measures, such as a Nukkad Natak (street play) at Nunwan base camp to promote awareness of cleanliness and environmental responsibility, further engaging pilgrims in the zero-waste mission.
The focus on sanitation has been particularly crucial this year following the tragic terror attack on April 22, 2025, at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Despite heightened security concerns, with 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed, the sanitation teams have ensured that cleanliness remains a priority, enhancing the pilgrimage experience for all yatris.
Key Details of Sanitation Efforts at Pissu Top for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 |
| Duration | July 3, 2025 – August 9, 2025 |
| Location | Pissu Top, Baltal axis (14 km route) |
| Sanitation Workforce | 7,361 workers deployed across Baltal and Pahalgam routes |
| Sanitation Units | 5,613 toilets/bathing units (2,693 on Baltal axis) |
| Waste Collected | 114.57 tons (43.30 tons plastic, 43.85 tons wet, 27.43 tons inert) |
| Waste Management | 15 solid waste processing facilities, hydraulic bailing machines, compost beds |
| Key Initiatives | QR code feedback systems, Water ATMs, eco-friendly cloth bags, Nukkad Natak |
| Leadership | Anoo Malhotra (Director General, Rural Sanitation), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha |
| Community Support | Locals provided water and cold drinks at Nuner village |
| Sources | The Financial Express, Kashmir Life, Rising Kashmir, Morning Kashmir |
Conclusion
The sanitation teams’ efforts at Pissu Top during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 exemplify a commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and pilgrim safety. By clearing waste, disinfecting paths, and implementing advanced waste management systems, these teams are ensuring a hygienic and spiritually fulfilling experience for yatris. Supported by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, local communities, and innovative campaigns like the IEC initiative, the yatra is setting a new standard for eco-friendly pilgrimages. As the pilgrimage continues, these efforts will continue to uphold the sanctity of the Amarnath cave shrine and inspire a cleaner, greener future for all.
