Zero-Landfill Mission, Anti-Plastic Drive, New Website, Anthem, Logo and Mascot Launched to Promote Sustainable Pilgrimage
SRINAGAR, June 28 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday launched the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s ‘Shubham–Shivam’ Swachh Yatra IEC Campaign at the Baltal base camp, unveiling a series of eco-friendly interventions aimed at ensuring a clean, sustainable and zero-landfill Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026.
The Lieutenant Governor also unveiled the campaign’s official website, pilgrimage anthem, logo and mascot, describing the initiative as a significant step towards protecting the fragile Himalayan environment while preserving the spiritual sanctity of the annual pilgrimage.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the sanitation workforce and Karmyogi volunteers, calling them the “real heroes” behind the mission to maintain cleanliness across the Baltal base camp and the pilgrimage routes.
He said the success of the ‘Shubham–Shivam’ campaign rests on devotion, discipline and collective responsibility, urging pilgrims, langar organisers, service providers and all stakeholders to actively participate in environmental conservation throughout the Yatra.
Highlighting several innovative initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor introduced the ‘Trayambakam’ mobile application, enabling pilgrims to upload photographs of waste or litter for immediate action by the authorities. He said the app would strengthen real-time waste management and public participation.
He also appreciated the Directorate’s circular economy initiatives, including the ‘Swaha’ Utensil Bank, where pilgrims can use reusable steel plates and cups against a refundable security deposit, reducing dependence on disposable plastic items.
Another major initiative, the ‘Amarnath Seva Cafe’, encourages pilgrims to collect plastic waste in exchange for tea and snacks, promoting cleanliness through community participation and environmental awareness.
The Lieutenant Governor further announced a comprehensive regulatory framework mandating four-way waste segregation, a complete ban on single-use plastic, and prescribed sanitation standards for every langar and camp established along the pilgrimage route.
Referring to the newly launched logo featuring Lord Shiva surrounded by 34 tridents, he said it symbolises the shared responsibility of safeguarding the sacred shrine and its surrounding ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the pilgrimage anthem, “Swachhta Dharma Hamara,” would inspire devotees to embrace cleanliness as an integral part of their spiritual journey.
Extending his best wishes to the thousands of sanitation workers, volunteers and officials deployed for the Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor urged everyone to work collectively to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 a safe, environmentally sustainable and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims from across India and abroad.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials, including K.N. Rai, Member, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police, J&K; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation J&K, besides other senior civil and police officers. (KNC)
