JK Govt to ensure pollution-free Amarnath yatra

Jammu, Apr 21 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ensured a pollution-free Shri Amarnath Yatra, starting from June 30.

Principal secretary to Governor and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SAB) chief executive officer Dr Arun Kumar, in a statement, said the board (SAB) had registered about 100 Langer Organisations from various parts of the country for Amarnath yatra.

''Requests for establishing more such facilities for providing free catering to pilgrims are continuously pouring in,'' he said and exhorted Langer Organisation to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene around their establishments as the Board is determined to preserve the ecology of the entire track and camps on the Himalayas.

SAB CEO hoped the langer organisations will extend full support in preserving environment by sticking to the ban of use of polythenes and regular cleaning of the periphery in camping sites.

For providing pure drinking water, he said, the Board is supplementing the effort of providing water filter devises in temporary colonies and around the langers.

''Every agency has to cooperate in providing pure drinking water'', Dr Kumar said while continuing his interaction with associations and groups associated with the yatra.

Dwelling on the facilities being arranged in coming months for two-month long yatra, Dr Kumar said accommodation is being prepared for 1400 yatris in all the camps with toilet, hot water and electricity.

For this purpose the Boad is raising 233 prefabricated single and double bed cottages at Baltal and other sites. In addition 45 rest shelters enroute the cave shrine shall be erected.

In all 2271 prefabricated and environmental friendly toilets and bathrooms are being raised, 754 in Baltal, 308 at Panjtarni, 344 at Sheshnag, 239 at Nunwan in Pahalgam, 116 in Chandanwari and 233 at the Holy Cave besides other locations. Every halting camp will have toilets and bathing facilities for 18000 pilgrims in all while 74 points with gas geysers and stands are being put in place for provision of hot water.

UNI