Srinagar, July 4, 2025 – Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)-supported Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Baltal, Ganderbal, on July 4, 2025. This vital infrastructure, developed under ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to enhance safety and comfort for the over 5 lakh pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra while providing year-round benefits to local communities.The inauguration, attended by ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh, marks a significant step toward improving logistical and emergency support for devotees traversing the challenging 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine via the 14-km Baltal route. “This facility reflects our commitment to energy for the nation and care for its people,” said an ONGC spokesperson, emphasizing the dual purpose of supporting pilgrims and locals.
Enhancing Pilgrim Safety and ComfortThe Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex, spanning 6,315 square meters, is fully operational and includes a Yatri Niwas accommodating 800 pilgrims, a VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and disaster-response facilities. Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted its significance, stating, “Safe and adequate accommodation for all devotees is our top priority.” The complex is designed to withstand the region’s harsh terrain and weather, ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience.
Union Minister Puri noted that the facility aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision to make the sacred journey safer and smoother. “Every year, lakhs of devotees walk through harsh terrain and freezing winds. ONGC is bringing this vision to life with shelters, hospitals, and disaster centers at high altitudes,” he said. The infrastructure also includes a registration and security block to streamline pilgrim movement.
Key Features of Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 6,315 square meters |
| Capacity | Accommodates 800 pilgrims |
| Components | Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security block, disaster-response facilities |
| Purpose | Safe lodging, sanitation, emergency support for pilgrims and locals |
| Funding | ONGC CSR initiative |
Year-Round Benefits for Local CommunitiesBeyond supporting the 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, 2025, the Baltal facility will serve as a year-round resource for residents. In 2024, ONGC constructed permanent 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, replacing temporary medical camps. These facilities, equipped with ICUs and staff accommodations, now function as Primary Health Centres for both pilgrims and locals, addressing long-standing healthcare needs in the region.
The infrastructure is expected to benefit local workers, artisans, and vendors by boosting economic activity due to increased pilgrim footfalls. “The facilities will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support, creating a positive impact for the local population throughout the year,” said Lieutenant Governor Sinha.
Ongoing ONGC InitiativesThe Baltal complex is part of a broader ONGC-funded initiative to enhance pilgrimage infrastructure. Three additional Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management facilities are under construction at Nunwan (8,500 sq. m) and Bijbehara (7,640 sq. m) in Anantnag, expected to be completed by September 2025, and at Sidhra, Jammu, targeted for completion by September 2026. These facilities will serve as hubs for boarding, emergency management, and logistical coordination, further easing challenges for pilgrims, particularly those from weaker sections.
ONGC-Supported Projects for Amarnath Yatra
| Location | Area (sq. m) | Completion Timeline | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltal, Ganderbal | 6,315 | Operational (July 2025) | Yatri Niwas, Disaster Management, Healthcare |
| Nunwan, Anantnag | 8,500 | September 2025 | Lodging, Emergency Support |
| Bijbehara, Anantnag | 7,640 | September 2025 | Lodging, Emergency Support |
| Sidhra, Jammu | 8,500 | September 2026 | Boarding, Emergency Management, Logistics |
A Vision of Unity and ResilienceThe inauguration comes amidst heightened security following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. Despite a 10.19% drop in registrations, over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have registered for the 2025 yatra, with devotees expressing resilience. “We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us,” said Shakshdeep Jha, a pilgrim from Mumbai. The administration has deployed 581 CAPF companies, drones, and anti-sabotage teams to ensure safety.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha reiterated the yatra’s role as a symbol of unity, stating, “The collective efforts of all stakeholders will ensure a peaceful, hassle-free, and spiritually uplifting experience.” He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Minister Puri, and ONGC for their unwavering support in realising these projects.
Conclusion
The ONGC-supported Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Baltal represent a significant milestone in enhancing the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra’s infrastructure. By providing safe lodging, robust disaster response, and year-round healthcare, these facilities embody Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a safe and inclusive pilgrimage. As additional complexes take shape in Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra, ONGC’s commitment to “Energy for the Nation, Care for Its People” continues to uplift both devotees and local communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
