New Delhi: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited will invest around Rs 51 crores for the construction of the National Disaster Mitigation Centre and Yatri Niwas in Sidhra, Jammu to address logistical challenges faced by pilgrims and tourists, said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a statement on Tuesday. The foundation stone for this project was laid on Tuesday by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha.
In an effort to address the logistical challenges faced by the influx of tourists and pilgrims visiting Srinagar and Amarnath each year, ONGC has generously pledged Rs 51 crore towards the construction of the Yatri Niwas. This accommodation facility, expected to accommodate 30,000 tourists annually, will help manage the large footfall by providing suitable lodging arrangements and thereby staggering the movement of visitors.
The ONGC Disaster Management Centre, also funded by the corporation, will serve as a vital hub for distributing essential amenities, such as lodging, sanitation, and safe drinking water. This centre will play a crucial role in providing relief measures and disseminating vital information during emergencies. Additionally, it will contribute to traffic management and ensure a seamless experience for tourists and pilgrims. A special focus will be placed on facilitating boarding and lodging facilities for those in need, said the statement.
The positive impact of these ONGC-funded facilities will extend beyond tourists and pilgrims. The local population, including workers of various skill levels, artisans, craftsmen, daily wage labourers, street vendors, and weavers, will benefit from the increased footfall in the area.
Covering an area of 1.84 acres (8,378 square metres), the construction of the National Disaster Mitigation Centre and Yatri Niwas will have an approximate built-up area of 1.875 acres (8,500 square metres). ONGC's Corporate Infrastructure Group will oversee the implementation of the project, ensuring its timely completion while upholding the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The Chairman and CEO of ONGC, Arun Kumar Singh, along with other esteemed guests, attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony. Senior officials from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and ONGC were also present.
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