ONGC enhances public infrastructure in J&K

New Delhi/Kashmir, July 02: In a move to provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to Amarnath pilgrims, Over Energy major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is developing Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes at four key locations in Jammu & Kashmir, viz.  Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. These assets will be operated by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board under the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.According to a statement issued here, these facilities will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to those undertaking Amarnath Yatra. Over five lakh devotees undertake this Yatra every year. This permanent infrastructure will also benefit the local population throughout the year.It was revealed that the Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex, spread across 6,315 square metres, is now fully operational and includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and disaster-response facilities. The Baltal facility will be formally inaugurated on 4 July 2025 by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, in the presence of ONGC Chairman and CEO Shri Arun Kumar Singh.Construction is progressing at Nunwan (8,500 sq. m) and Bijbehara (7,640 sq. m), with both sites expected to be completed by September 2025. The Sidhra complex in Jammu, designed to serve as a vital hub for boarding, emergency management, and logistical coordination, is targeted for completion by September 2026.Pertinent to mention, in 2024, ONGC also constructed permanent 100-bed hospitals at Baltal (Ganderbal) and Chandanwari (Anantnag), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. These facilities, which include ICUs and staff accommodations, replacing the earlier temporary medical camps and now serve as year-round Primary Health Centres for yatris and local residents alike