‘HUDD transformed Amarnath Yatra into a model of sustainability’

Srinagar, July 31: The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir this year witnessed a remarkable transformation driven by a passionate commitment to cleanliness, waste management, and a single-use plastic-free pilgrimage.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that under the leadership of Commissioner Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) J&K, Mandeep Kaur, this year's yatra is setting a new benchmark for responsible tourism in the country.

Drawing on her successful experience as Commissioner Secretary of the Rural Development Department, where she spearheaded a zero-landfill yatra in 2022 and 2023 (a case study at COP28 by UN with Microsoft and a Skoch Award winner), Kaur has spearheaded a comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign.

An official of the Housing and Urban Development Department said this multi-pronged approach aims to influence yatris' behaviour throughout their journey, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.

The official said a well-orchestrated awareness campaign was launched.

Under the spreading the message initiative, inspirational hoardings, banners, and posters adorned each participating Urban Local Body (ULB) and district, along with city entrances and exits.

Toilets on the yatra route and Yatri Niwases (pilgrim accommodation) also serve as platforms for awareness.

“A dedicated Yatramitra.app empowers yatris with essential information, weather updates, emergency helplines, and a platform for feedback. A digital screen at Pantha Chowk keeps them informed with orientation videos,” the spokesman said.

Besides for the first time in J&K, Nukkad Nataks (street plays) are being staged across all ULBs, Lal Chowk of Srinagar offering an entertaining avenue to inspire responsible behaviour.

Importantly, yatris were equipped for sustainability with sustainable kits.

“Swaaha has designed and distributed 50,000 free kits, replacing an estimated 35 lakh single-use plastic items. These kits consist of a steel water bottle, glass, spoon, bamboo toothbrush, cloth hand towel, and cotton bag,” the spokesman said.

Besides strategically placed water ATMs at Yatri Niwases encourage yatris to refill their bottles, further reducing dependence on single-use plastic water bottles.

This initiative is projected to eliminate around 3.5 million disposables.

“Toilets were installed across the yatra route and the department arranged and installed thousands of toilets permanent and temporary for yatra as J&K is ODF-free UT which has been cleaned round the clock and is available in all 19 ULBs of the yatra route,” the spokesman said.

This has a positive environmental impact.

“The Amarnath Yatra initiative has the potential to prevent between 21 lakh and 3o lakh single-use plastic items from entering the environment. This significant reduction in plastic waste will have a positive impact on several fronts like reduced landfill burden,” the spokesman said.

J&K government is making this a model for the nation.

“This inspirational campaign by HUDD J&K serves as a beacon, demonstrating the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to environmental well-being. HUDD transformed Amarnath Yatra into a model of sustainability. The success of the Amarnath Yatra paves the way for a cleaner future, not just for J&K, but for the entire nation,” the spokesman said.