In a significant step towards enhancing pilgrim facilities, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, developed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of ONGC, for the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The newly inaugurated complex will accommodate 800 pilgrims and also features dedicated registration and security blocks. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, for their unwavering support to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB).
He also extended thanks to ONGC for taking up the establishment of Yatri Niwas complexes at Sidhra (Jammu), Baltal, Nunwan, and Bijbehara, with a total project cost of ₹240 crore under CSR funding.
- “Providing safe and adequate accommodation to all devotees is our top priority. We are continuously working to enhance the facilities for pilgrims, while also creating livelihood opportunities for locals,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
He informed that the Yatri Niwas projects at Sidhra, Nunwan (Phase-I), and Bijbehara are under progress, with the Nunwan facility expected to be completed before October this year.
The LG also highlighted major infrastructure developments:
- Widened tracks and newly installed safety railings for secure and hassle-free pilgrim movement.
- Grid power illumination on tracks, significantly improving safety and enabling 24×7 surveillance.
- Planned grid power connectivity from Panchtarni to Chandanwari by next year.
Appreciating the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, LG Sinha lauded the contribution of Police, Security Forces, Shrine Board members, executing agencies, engineers, sanitation workers, civil society, langar seva organizations, and local residents for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
During his visit to the Baltal Base Camp, the LG interacted with service providers and devotees, extending his best wishes for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage.
Addressing the media, he stated that over 20,000 pilgrims have already had darshan at the holy cave.
- “There is an atmosphere of devotion and celebration throughout Jammu & Kashmir. The people of the region are offering a heartfelt welcome to all pilgrims,” he added.
He assured that pilgrims arriving ahead of their scheduled dates will be accommodated to the extent possible, but advised prioritizing those with prior registration.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including:
- Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson, Ganderbal
- Mian Mehar Ali, MLA from Kangan
- K.N. Rai, Member, SASB
- Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary and CEO, SASB
- Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO, ONGC
- Vartika Shukla, CMD, Engineers India Ltd.
- Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir
- Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal
Senior officers from Police, Civil Administration, SASB, and a large number of devotees also attended the event.
