Kargil, Apr 17: In a renewed administrative push to address mounting urban challenges, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar on Thursday directed sweeping measures to streamline overhead cabling, ease traffic congestion and upgrade drainage systems across Kargil town.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Deputy Commissioner instructed telecom operators, including BSNL, Jio and Airtel, to regulate and organise overhead wiring, warning that unregulated cables posed both safety risks and visual disorder in key market areas. The Power Development Department was asked to remove redundant poles on priority and rationalise existing infrastructure to reduce clutter.
Officials said local cable operators have also been brought under the directive to standardise wiring practices, as the administration seeks to restore order to the town’s increasingly congested commercial zones.
The meeting further flagged concerns over unsafe installation of electricity meters, with directions issued to secure all meters in protective enclosures. Authorities were also told to identify and dismantle unnecessary telecom and electric poles to improve both safety and urban aesthetics.
Drainage deficiencies, particularly in Poyen and the main market, came under scrutiny, with the administration proposing a structured wastewater channelisation system linked to river outflow after treatment. Plans to explore gravity-based flow up to Shilikchey and reuse treated water for agriculture were also discussed, reflecting a shift towards resource optimisation.
In a parallel move to protect river ecology, the Deputy Commissioner ordered a ban on washing activities along riverbanks. Departments concerned were asked to set up designated washing facilities to curb pollution, while the Forest Department was tasked with undertaking plantation drives along the river to enhance environmental conditions.
Traffic congestion in the town centre emerged as another focal point, with directions issued to reorganise parking spaces and regulate roadside vendors. The administration is also considering planned relocation of small commercial establishments to ease pressure on the main market and improve vehicular movement.
The meeting also explored the creation of structured commercial assets, with proposals to develop and allot shops on a rental basis to generate revenue while ensuring planned urban growth.
Senior district officials, including officers from police, municipal bodies, engineering departments and telecom service providers, attended the meeting, where the Deputy Commissioner called for time-bound execution of decisions to improve civic conditions and urban management in Kargil.
