Amarnath Yatra Sees Over 4.5 Lakh Devotees; What Happens To 300 Tonnes Of Waste Left Behind? Check Here

The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has set a new example of environmentally responsible pilgrimage management, with authorities scientifically processing nearly 300 metric tonnes of solid waste despite a footfall of more than 4.5 lakh pilgrims till July 30.

The 57-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3 and is now nearing its conclusion, is progressing smoothly through both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. After witnessing record participation in 2011 and 2024, this year’s yatra has focused heavily on maintaining cleanliness and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

According to official data, 291.72 metric tonnes of solid waste had been collected and scientifically disposed of by July 30. Of this, 191.29 metric tonnes was collected from the Baltal route, while 100.43 metric tonnes came from the Pahalgam route.

On July 30 alone, sanitation teams collected 7.7 metric tonnes of waste from Baltal and 1.3 metric tonnes from Pahalgam, ensuring continuous cleanliness along the pilgrimage routes.

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Pilgrims Praise Sanitation Facilities

Authorities said pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness arrangements and facilities provided during the yatra.

A total of 34,266 feedback responses have been received through the Yatra mobile app, website and digital kiosks. More than 98 per cent of pilgrims rated toilet facilities and overall cleanliness on both routes as good.

Some complaints were related to water supply and electricity issues at a few toilet locations.

Bajoy Anand, a pilgrim from West Bengal, said, "I visited the holy cave via the Pahalgam route and returned via the Balatal route. Excellent facilities have been provided for pilgrims on both routes. We did not face any problems."

Pilgrims Join Environmental Campaign

The administration’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign has also received significant participation from devotees.

Officials said 11,048 pilgrims have taken an environment protection pledge, while 7,200 people have received Responsible Traveller Certificates for committing to protect the Himalayan ecosystem.

To reduce plastic waste, the Rural Sanitation Department distributed 1,10,200 reusable bags among pilgrims. The Utensil Bank initiative also provided reusable utensil kits, with 94 kits returned, while the Seva Cafe initiative distributed 200 reusable bags.

Horses Help Remove Waste From Difficult Terrain

A major challenge during the cleanup operation is collecting waste from difficult mountainous areas. Officials said horses were used extensively to transport garbage from inaccessible locations.

Around 1,000 horses on the Baltal route carried nearly 46 metric tonnes of waste, while 590 horses on the Pahalgam route transported around 34 metric tonnes, taking the total waste removed through horse support to nearly 80 metric tonnes.

Swaha Model

Dr Sameer Sharma, CEO of Swaha, the organisation responsible for scientific collection and processing of solid and liquid waste during the yatra, said the figures highlight the scale of the operation.

"Despite a record number of pilgrims, around 4.5 lakh, till July 30, we have scientifically collected and processed around 300 metric tonnes of solid waste generated during the yatra," he said.

“Our teams are working round the clock to ensure that no waste is left undisposed of and the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas is protected," Dr Sharma added.

He said Swaha’s integrated waste management model covers the entire process, including waste collection, transportation, segregation, processing and disposal through eco-friendly methods.

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"It's not just about collecting garbage; it's about creating a sustainable model of pilgrimage," he said. "Along with managing solid waste, we're also treating liquid waste through scientific systems."

Officials credited the success of the cleanliness drive to the combined efforts of the Rural Sanitation Department, Swaha, sanitation workers, volunteers, pony operators and other stakeholders.

The administration said this year’s Amarnath Yatra demonstrates that large-scale pilgrimages can be managed successfully while preserving the fragile Himalayan environment.