The management of mule dung is a significant environmental challenge during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra due to the large number of ponies and mules used for transportation of pilgrims and supplies in an ecologically fragile, high-altitude region. For the 2025 Yatra, the process for managing mule dung during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 would be as under –
1. Regular Collection along the Yatra Routes and at Camps:
- Dedicated Sanitation Personnel: A substantial workforce of sanitation workers is deployed specifically to clean the Yatra tracks and camp areas. This includes the collection of mule dung.
- Frequent Sweeping and Collection: The routes and resting points are regularly swept and cleaned to prevent accumulation of dung, which can lead to unhygienic conditions, foul odors, and contamination of water sources.
- Designated Collection Points: Specific points along the trek and within the camps are identified for the collection of mule dung.
2. Disposal and Treatment:
- Deep Composting Pits: In past years, and likely continuing for 2025, deep composting pits are dug at identified locations away from water bodies and pilgrim movement. The collected mule dung, being organic waste, is deposited into these pits.
- Covering and De-odorizing: The pits are periodically covered with soil and stones to contain the smell, prevent the spread of pathogens, and accelerate the decomposition process. Bio-enzymes or other natural treatments might be used to aid decomposition and reduce odor.
- Bio-digesters/Biogas Plants (Pilot/Expanding): There have been discussions and possibly pilot projects for setting up bio-digesters or small biogas plants, especially at base camps, to process organic waste, including mule dung. This would generate biogas for cooking or heating, and the residual slurry could be used as fertilizer, promoting a circular economy approach. While large-scale implementation across the entire route might be challenging due to terrain, it’s a focus for base camps.
- Transport to Designated Sites: In areas where on-site composting is not feasible or where large quantities accumulate, mule dung might be collected and transported to designated disposal sites or larger composting facilities, often located at lower altitudes or near waste processing units established for the Yatra.
3. Preventing Water Contamination:
- Strategic Placement of Facilities: All dung collection and disposal sites are carefully chosen to be away from natural streams, rivers, and water sources to prevent direct contamination of water used by pilgrims and local communities.
- Drainage Management: Efforts are made to manage drainage around stable areas and collection points to prevent runoff containing dung from entering water bodies, especially during rain.
4. Regulation and Enforcement for Pony/Mule Owners:
- Registration and Guidelines: Pony owners and operators are registered and provided with clear guidelines regarding waste management, including the proper disposal of mule dung.
- Supervision: Authorities deploy supervisory staff to ensure that ponywallahs adhere to the cleanliness protocols and dispose of dung only at designated locations. Non-compliance could lead to penalties.
- Training and Awareness: Efforts are made to sensitize pony owners and handlers about the environmental fragility of the region and the importance of responsible waste management.
5. Monitoring and Review:
- Regular Inspections: Sanitation teams and nodal officers conduct regular inspections of the routes and camps to monitor the effectiveness of mule dung management.
- Feedback System: A system for receiving and addressing complaints related to sanitation, including mule dung, is in place to ensure real-time response.
The goal is to integrate mule dung management into the overall “Swachh Amarnath Yatra” initiative, aiming for a clean and ecologically sustainable pilgrimage experience. The challenges remain substantial due to the sheer number of animals and the difficult terrain, but continuous efforts are being made to refine and strengthen these procedures.
