Environment committee satisfied with Amarnath arrangements

Srinagar, Jun 27 (UNI) An Environment Committee has expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for the Amarnath pilgrimage this year, an official spokesman said today.

The committee, headed by National Conference legislator Mubarak Gul, visited Chandanwari to assess the situation of environment and sanitation there. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims besides locals visit the place throughout the year.

The committee had detailed discussions with the officials of the Pahalgam Development Authority, state Pollution Control Board, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and NGOs.

It expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the SASB for the convenience of the pilgrims, but suggested some measures for further improvement which include dumping of garbage at Pahalgam and Chandanwari and enforcing a strict ban on use of polythene enroute the holy cave shrine.

The committee also asked the board to erect permanent toilets for devotees at Chandanwari and interacted with the pilgrims, tourists, langarwalas and ponnywalas and enquired about the arrangements.

It also interacted with the police and para-medical authorities coordinating the arrangements and asked the forces to render all help to the pilgrims and tourists.

The committee directed the PDA Chief Executive to initiate measures for acquiring sufficient land for dumping of garbage and stressed for coordinated efforts between all departments and agencies to maintain ecological balance in the area.

Briefing the committee, SASB Development Commissioner I C Jandial said despite being at a stage of infancy, the Shrine Board has made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims.

He said the Board has erected about 1600 units of pre-fabricated and eco-friendly toilets at Pahalgam, Baltal and enroute the holy cave shrine for convenience of the devotees.

''The Board's endeavour is to conduct smooth pilgrimage without disturbing the environment. Proper arrangements have been made for dumping the garbage and human waste,'' Mr Jandial added.

He assured the committee that all out efforts would be made to implement the ban on use of polythene bags during the pilgrimage.

UNI AG YA HT1705