Kargil, Jul 03: In a significant move aimed at addressing public concerns and streamlining the progress of the NH-301 highway project, Chief Executive Councillor, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chaired a high-level meeting Wednesday at the Council Secretariat, LAHDC Kargil.
The meeting was convened following the initiative of Member of Parliament, UT Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan, who emphasized the importance of clarity and coordination in the execution of such a major infrastructure project.
During the meeting, the MP stated that there must be a clear and transparent roadmap for the implementation of NH-301 to prevent the spread of misinformation and to ensure smooth, uninterrupted progress on the ground.
He stressed the importance of maintaining continuous communication with the public to build trust and understanding regarding the project’s goals and processes.
CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon highlighted the critical need for well-defined terms of reference for the committee constituted to handle compensation and verification matters.
He insisted that representatives should approach the affected people directly, noting that public consensus had been achieved with great effort.
The CEC further asserted that partial compensation for dismantled structures is unacceptable. He firmly stated that if any part of a building is impacted, the compensation must reflect the full value of the entire structure to ensure fairness and justice to the property owners.
Dr Akhoon also directed the NHIDCL management to exercise strict supervision over site engineers and workers to prevent any instances of misinformation or miscommunication.
He expressed concern over the circulation of inaccurate information and emphasized the need for discipline and accountability at the worksite.
Furthermore, he instructed the Revenue Department to take strict action against individuals who have constructed new structures at compensated sites, deeming such actions unjust and detrimental to the project’s credibility.
Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), informed regarding the sequence and status of compensation disbursements. He informed the gathering that the remaining compensation awards related to NH-301 have already been forwarded for necessary approval and release.
He also instructed concerned officials to immediately rectify any misinformation reaching local residents and stressed that such issues must be addressed directly on-site through appropriate communication channels.
DC Rakesh Kumar also acknowledged growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and accident-prone zones along the route. He assured the meeting that the administration has prioritized these issues, and measures such as installation of signboards and widening of roads are being implemented.
He encouraged the public to directly contact him with any highway-related grievances, especially those concerning NH-301, promising swift and effective resolution upon receipt of detailed information.
During the meeting, various Councillors from the affected constituencies voiced their concerns regarding delays in compensation, cases of leftover or disputed payments, the need for early disposal of arbitration cases, rehabilitation of landless families, and the necessity for timely payments in accordance with the revised SRO guidelines.
The meeting concluded on a constructive and forward-looking note. CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon expressed his gratitude to Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan for calling the meeting at such a crucial juncture.
He emphasized that such deliberations must not end at the discussion stage but should translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
He reiterated the importance of dismantling structures where compensation has already been paid and urged officials to ensure timely disbursement of pending compensation so that the construction of NH-301 can proceed without delays or hindrance.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the protection of public interests as the NH-301 project moves ahead.
This meeting was attended by MP Ladakh Haji Hanifa Jan, Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba Mussavi, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, DC Kargil Rakesh Kumar IAS, Councillors from Baroo/Minjee, Saliskote, Lankerchey, Thangdumbur Sankoo, Tai Suru, Parkachik, and Karsha, as well as key officials including the Assistant Commissioner Revenue Kargil with the verification committee, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Sankoo and Zanskar, General Manager NHIDCL Kargil Unit, Executive Engineer SVD Sankoo, Tehsildars from Kargil, Sankoo and Tai Suru, CALA Office Consultant, and NHIDCL Zanskar Sub-Division Incharge.
