Associated News Bureau

LG Felicitates DG Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra as Amarnath Yatra’s Sanitation Model Earns National Recognition

Srinagar, August 30: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha felicitated Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation, Jammu & Kashmir, in recognition of her contribution to the successful conduct and culmination of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. The felicitation was part of a ceremony held to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of officers and personnel from the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), medical teams, service providers and other stakeholders who contributed to the smooth and safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The successful sanitation and waste-management arrangements during this year’s Yatra also received national recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the initiative in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. The Yatra’s sanitation model, including scientific waste management and a focus on a Zero Waste to Landfill approach, was noted as an example of effective environmental management during a large-scale pilgrimage. More than 8,000 sanitation facilities were deployed during the Yatra, while 414.46 metric tonnes of waste was collected and processed under the Zero Waste to Landfill approach. The measures were aimed at maintaining cleanliness, protecting the fragile environment of the pilgrimage route and ensuring better sanitation facilities for pilgrims and service personnel. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the collective efforts of all departments and agencies involved in making extensive arrangements for the pilgrimage, describing the successful completion of the Yatra as a reflection of coordinated planning, dedication and a strong sense of public service. He said the pilgrimage represented a celebration of collective resolve, wherein hardships were transformed into duty, challenges into opportunities and service into a form of spiritual practice. The felicitation of Anoo Malhotra underscored the significant role played by the Rural Sanitation Department in planning and implementing sanitation and cleanliness measures during the Yatra. The department’s efforts contributed to maintaining a hygienic and orderly environment for pilgrims while strengthening scientific waste-management practices across the pilgrimage areas. The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism, observing that the successful culmination of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 was the outcome of sustained coordination, meticulous planning and dedicated efforts by multiple departments and agencies. The national recognition of the sanitation initiative through the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ further highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s efforts to combine pilgrimage management with environmental responsibility and sustainable waste management.