KARGIL: The Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Jaffer Akhone, chaired a review meeting Saturday with district officers to assess departmental preparedness in light of the prevailing situation.
The CEC expressed heartfelt gratitude to all district officers for their dedicated service, particularly acknowledging those serving in border areas and critical regions such as Drass, Batalik, Sout and Town Area. He emphasized the activation of contingency hospitals near Army installations.
During the meeting, officials from the Health, Food, and Police Departments, along with other key sectors, briefed the CEC and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shrikant Balasaheb Suse on their preparedness.
The DC underscored the importance of seamless inter-departmental coordination, while the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) confirmed the availability of ambulances and shared updates on hospital admissions.
To manage hospital capacity, the CEC instructed the Health Department to postpone all non-essential surgeries and prioritize treatment for critical patients.
He directed that emergency arrangements be fully implemented in hospitals and requested the installation of visible medical signs (‘+’) on rooftops of all medical buildings—particularly in remote and strategic areas such as Batalik, Chiktan, and Drass. He also directed that doctors remain stationed at their posts and refrain from taking leave until further notice.
Additionally, the CEC urged the Health Department to coordinate with volunteer organizations to maintain an active blood donor registry in preparation for any emergency.
Addressing supply chain concerns, the Director of the Food Department reported that rations have been distributed under the NAFSA Act through June, with continued availability assured through August. Adequate stocks of diesel, petrol, and kerosene are in place.
The Director noted that, if necessary, rations would be supplemented through community kitchens, while also highlighting the need for uninterrupted electricity to ensure grinding operations can continue without disruption.
The CEC called on the ARTO officer to work closely with the Bus Union to prepare emergency evacuation plans.
He also emphasized the early evacuation of students currently residing outside Ladakh and urged that necessary arrangements be made in Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh in coordination with student unions.
DC Shrikant Balasaheb Suse instructed officers to maintain close coordination during emergencies and directed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure street lighting is turned off during blackout periods. He also assured the CEC that all essential services are in place and functioning.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kargil, Shree Ram R. informed the CEC that they are in close coordination with the Indian Army.
He reported that emergency sirens have been installed for alerting purposes and will be used prudently following blackout periods. A list of safe locations has been prepared, and the public is advised to remain calm and avoid panic. The SSP assured that strict action will be taken to prevent hoarding of essential commodities in the market.
The Education Department confirmed that all schools will remain closed until further notice.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Imteeaz Kacho reported that some laborers are currently stranded in Kargil. The CEC directed that immediate steps be taken to ensure their safe return to their native places.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councilor Aga Syeed Mujtaba Mussavi, Kacho Mohd Feroz and Zakir Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; SSP Kargil Shree Ram R.; Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho; all district officers.
Concluding the meeting on a positive note, the CEC expressed hope for an early de-escalation of the situation.
He once again extended his sincere appreciation to the DC, SP, and all officers—especially those from the Health, Police, and Food Departments—for their proactive and coordinated efforts.
