Hardeep Singh Puri lays ONGC-funded Yatri Niwas foundation

The construction of the National Disaster Mitigation Centre and Yatri Niwas in Sidhra, Jammu, is being funded by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On June 6, 2023, the foundation stone of the centre was laid by Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha in Jammu.

It has been a logistical challenge for a long time due to the large number of tourists visiting Srinagar and Amarnath every year. This ONGC-funded Yatri Niwas will alleviate this challenge to a great extent by providing accommodation for 30,000 tourists in a year, effectively managing the movement of tourists and pilgrims.

The ONGC Disaster Management Centre will have a significant role in providing essential amenities such as lodging, sanitation, and safe drinking water. It will act as a central hub for disseminating vital information and providing relief during emergencies. Additionally, it will contribute to traffic management and ensure a smooth experience for tourists and pilgrims, particularly by facilitating boarding and lodging for those in need.

Furthermore, the local population, including unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, artisans, craftsmen, daily wage labourers, street vendors, and weavers, will also benefit from the increased number of visitors resulting from these ONGC-funded facilities.

The construction of the National Disaster Mitigation Centre and Yatri Niwas will take place on a 1.84-acre (8378 square metre) plot, with an approximate built-up area of 1.875 acres (8500 square metres). ONGC's Corporate Infrastructure Group will oversee the project's implementation to ensure its timely completion and efficiency while upholding its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

As part of its extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ONGC has pledged a generous amount of Rs 510 million to support this project. This significant endeavour, funded by ONGC, India's Energy Maharatna, showcases its unwavering dedication to serving the nation.

The event saw the presence of ONGC's Chairman and CEO, Arun Kumar Singh, along with other esteemed guests. Senior officials from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and ONGC also attended the ceremony.

Keywords: National Disaster Mitigation Centre, Yatri Niwas, Sidhra, Jammu, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, ONGC, Prime Minister Narendra Modi