Srinagar, Jan 20: The government is planning to construct a 100-bedded state-of-the-art hospital at Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for the annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
A site inspection was conducted on Saturday for the proposed hospital near the sacred cave of Amarnath to serve pilgrims during the yatra.
The inspection team comprised Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, K. N. Rai, Member of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), representatives from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), officials from SASB including Hashmat Ali, ADC Ganderbal Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani besides CMO, Dr Afroza Shah and other concerned officials from several departments inspected the facilities required for the proposed hospital.
The meeting was aimed at ensuring the best healthcare for pilgrims who embark on the yatra. The officials examined various aspects, including medical facilities, logistics, and emergency response capabilities.
K. N. Rai emphasized the importance of the hospital in catering to the healthcare needs of devotees and providing the best medical services throughout their journey.
Dr Rather expressed optimism about the project and said the inspection will pave the way for a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure adding they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
The representatives from ONGC highlighted their support for the project, acknowledging its importance in enhancing healthcare accessibility for the pilgrims.
The SASB officials were actively engaged in discussions, contributing valuable insights to address the specific needs of the pilgrims during their journey.
As the team examined the proposed site, it reinforced the commitment to creating a hospital equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a robust emergency response system.
Baltal is a camping ground for pilgrims on the Sind River at the base of Zojila Pass. The valley is only a day’s journey away from Srinagar and provides a shorter high-altitude alternate route to the sacred cave of Amarnath.
