SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a new Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal in Ganderbal district, providing safe and secure accommodation for 800 pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. The inauguration comes as more than 20,000 devotees have already performed darshan at the holy cave since the Yatra began earlier this week.
Developed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Baltal facility also includes a registration and security block and is aimed at enhancing infrastructure for pilgrims while supporting local livelihoods.
“Safe and adequate accommodation to all the devotees is our top priority,” said LG Sinha, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for their support to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board. He also thanked ONGC for funding Yatri Niwas facilities at Sidhra, Baltal, Nunwan, and Bijbehara at an estimated cost of ₹240 crore.
Speaking to the media at Baltal, the Lieutenant Governor noted the palpable excitement and festive atmosphere surrounding the annual pilgrimage. “Pilgrims are feeling blessed and excited to be part of this journey of faith and tradition,” he said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir has extended a warm welcome to all devotees.
During his visit, the LG also interacted with pilgrims and service providers at the Baltal Base Camp and extended best wishes for a safe and fulfilling yatra. He assured that pilgrims arriving earlier than their scheduled date would be accommodated wherever possible, though priority would be given to those with prior registration.
Highlighting improved safety and logistics this year, LG Sinha said that track widening, safety railings, and grid power supply along the route have ensured safer and more comfortable travel for pilgrims. He added that 24×7 monitoring is now possible with illumination of the routes and announced plans to extend grid connectivity from Panchtarni to Chandanwari by next year.
Construction of other Yatri Niwas facilities is also underway, with Nunwan Phase-I expected to be completed before October, the LG informed. He praised the efforts of Police, security forces, SASB, engineers, sanitation workers, langar volunteers, and civil society groups for ensuring the Yatra’s smooth conduct.
Present at the inauguration were DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq, MLA Mian Mehar Ali, SASB member KN Rai, SASB CEO Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh, Engineers India CMD Vartika Shukla, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Bidhuri, DC Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, and a large gathering of devotees and officials.
