(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated the new Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Baltal in Kashmir on 4 July 2025. Supported by ONGC, this critical infrastructure is designed to strengthen safety, preparedness, and comfort along the Amarnath Yatra route, which draws more than half a million pilgrims annually.

The new facilities reflect the government’s commitment to building robust, people-centric infrastructure in remote and challenging terrain. The Disaster Management Centre will enable rapid response to emergencies in a region known for its rugged conditions and unpredictable weather, while the Yatri Niwas will offer safe, comfortable accommodation to pilgrims on their spiritual journey.

These projects are not limited to the pilgrimage season. The infrastructure will also benefit the local population year-round by enhancing disaster preparedness and offering reliable lodging facilities that can support tourism and local economic activity.

For ONGC, the initiative goes beyond corporate social responsibility. Calling it an act of “seva” or sacred service, CMD A.K. Singh described the project as a heartfelt tribute to Baba Amarnath and a commitment to serving the nation beyond the realm of energy production. He expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Jammu and Kashmir administration in realising this vision.

This new chapter at Baltal stands as a testament to public-private partnership, aiming to deliver safety, dignity, and comfort to thousands of pilgrims, while also reinforcing ONGC’s broader mission: energy for the nation, and care for its people.