ONGC Sets Up Two 100-bed Hospitals for Pilgrims at Amarnath Yatra Base Camps

For this initiative, ONGC partnered with the Health and Medical Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, to strengthen the region's healthcare infrastructure.

In a significant move to enhance healthcare infrastructure, ONGC has established two 100-bed hospitals at the twin base camps of the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.

These facilities will continue to operate even after the annual pilgrimage concludes.

The 52-day pilgrimage, which began on Saturday from the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal, is set to conclude on August 19.

For this initiative, ONGC partnered with the Health and Medical Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, to strengthen the region's healthcare infrastructure.

About the Newly Set Up Hospitals

Under its CSR initiative, ONGC has constructed permanent hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam in Anantnag.

Each facility is equipped with 100 beds, lodging for medical staff, and intensive care units, serving as primary health centers that deliver essential medical services to local communities.

Previously, temporary medical facilities were set up annually, resulting in significant recurring costs and logistical difficulties.

Reportedly, the health department will oversee the operation and maintenance of these hospitals post-yatra. This, according to the authorities, will ensure they continue to serve the local population.

PM Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to pilgrims at the onset of the Amarnath Yatra, noting that the 'darshan' of Lord Shiva is known to imbue devotees with immense energy.

While, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the Modi government is committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and pleasant pilgrimage to the cave shrine.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, our government is committed to the safe, smooth, and pleasant journey of the devotees and the government has made every possible arrangement to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience. Har Har Mahadev," Shah wrote on 'X' in Hindi.

On the first day of the annual pilgrimage, more than 13,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Among the pilgrims were 3,300 women, 52 children, 102 religious ascetics (sadhus), and 682 security personnel traveling via the designated routes.

The pilgrimage is heavily guarded, with thousands of personnel from the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and other paramilitary forces stationed along the route. Aerial surveillance is also being carried out.

Last year, over 4.5 Lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine.