EC urges SASB to ensure measures for environment protection

Srinagar, Jun 10 (UNI) Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said it accords highest priority to conserve environment during the two- month-long yatra and the facilities created for the pilgrims en route to the holy shrine are totally eco-friendly.

An official spokespersons said today that this information was given by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SASB to Environment Committee (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

He said facilities created for the pilgrims on their way to Shri Amarnath are totally eco-friendly and hardly have any impact on the environment.

Dr Kumar said adequate number of pre-fabricated toilets on the entire track and base camps have been installed.

The people organising free langers enroute and at base camps have been issued necessary guidelines to keep the environment neat and clean, Dr Kumar said.

He also invited the committee members to visit the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal to personally see the arrangements.

Chairman Pollution Control Board Dr C M Seth and officers of Environment Department also put forth their views relating to the environment. They advocated strict enforcement of ban on the use of polythene, a major source of environment degradation.

Earlier, the environment committee of Legislative Assembly has asked SASB to take all necessary steps to protect the environment and other natural resources en route the Shrine during the ensuing yatra.

The EC under the chairmanship of Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal asked SASB to take measures to protect the environment during the yatra period.

The Committee stressed for coordinated efforts and asked the departments concerned to maintain close liaison with the SASB to ensure no harm is caused to the environment. There should be a Committee of officers which would monitor the situation during the yatra period. The Committee would also visit the base camp of yatra at Pahalgam and Baltal to personally assess the measures initiated by the SASB to saving the environment and facilities for pilgrims.

UNI BAS AM GC1350