KARGIL: To evaluate winter preparedness and enhance coordination among departments, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting.
The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted connectivity through Zojila Pass and other sub-divisional roads that link remote areas with the district headquarters, along with the seamless delivery of essential services during the winter months.
Dr. Akhoon reiterated that every possible effort would be made to keep Zojila Pass open for the longest feasible period in winter, underscoring its role as the sole and critical lifeline for Ladakh. Highlighting its strategic and public significance, he stressed the need for timely and efficient maintenance.
All necessary efforts will be made to keep Zojila Pass open for the maximum possible duration during winter,” CEC reiterated.
The CEC directed all concerned line departments and executing agencies, including BRO, Project Vijayak, NHIDCL and Mega Engineering, to work in close coordination to ensure smooth and effective winter operations across the district.
He instructed the SDM Drass to identify accommodation facilities available with the Army and NHIDCL at Gumri and Menamark for use during emergencies, particularly for stranded travellers and passengers. He also directed the 24×7 deployment of an ambulance at the Matiya Sub-Centre to ensure prompt medical assistance.
The SDM Zanskar presented a detailed update on road connectivity, availability of essential commodities and the supply of medicines in the Zanskar region.
In this context, the CEC directed officials of Project Ujayak and NHIDCL to deploy adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable locations along the Kargil–Zanskar road for emergency snow clearance, and also to ensure timely clearance of the Nimo–Darcha road.
Considering the ongoing Losar festival in Zanskar, the CEC directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to extend power supply hours to facilitate smooth celebrations. He also instructed the Cooperative Department to ensure the availability of subsidised food items for the public during the festive period.
Emphasising uninterrupted road connectivity during snowfall, the Chief Executive Councillor instructed NHIDCL to ensure regular maintenance and snow clearance on the road stretch from Iqbal Bridge to Minji, so that traffic movement and essential services remain unaffected.
With regard to drinking water supply, the CEC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE, to identify vulnerable areas in and around Kargil town where water availability is limited, and to ensure the supply of potable drinking water through tankers wherever required.
During the meeting, the CEC also directed the Executive Engineer, PMGSY, to submit a detailed list of all roads falling under the Defect Liability Period (DLP). He instructed PMGSY authorities to immediately clear and maintain roads that are incomplete or yet to be formally handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD). Additionally, concerned departments were directed to dump soil along roadsides at critical points to prevent vehicle skidding during snowfall.
The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, briefed the meeting on the current status of Zojila Pass, future planning, strategic logistics, and monitoring through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). He also highlighted arrangements for Labour Sarais across different regions to support stranded passengers during winter.
Departmental officers also presented updates on their respective preparedness. The Assistant Director, Food informed that distribution of food grains across Kargil district and villages has been completed up to January. The Executive Engineer, PDD, shared updates on power transmission and distribution, including arrangements in Losar areas, while the Superintending Engineer, PWD, briefed the meeting on snow clearance preparedness and the availability of machinery and equipment.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba and Executive Councillor Er. Phunchok Tashi. Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, joined the meeting online. Other attendees included the Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, who is also the Administrator, Municipal Committee Kargil; Commander, 762 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF); Superintending Engineers of PWD (R&B) and Mechanical Division, Kargil; and representatives of , NHIDCL, Kargil.
The meeting was also attended, through virtual mode, by the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Drass, Sankoo, Shakar-Chiktan and Zanskar. Other officers present included the Executive Engineers of PDD, Mechanical, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Roads & Buildings (R&B) and PMGSY, Kargil; Officer Commanding, 55 RCC, Mulbekh; Deputy Registrar Cooperative (DRC), Kargil; Assistant Director, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA); Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Kargil; and the Station House Officer, Drass, who also joined virtually.
The Chief Executive Councillor stressed that proactive planning, close coordination and timely execution by all departments are essential to ensure public safety, convenience and uninterrupted services throughout the winter season.
