Kargil, September 09, 2025: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today flagged off five new garbage collection vehicles/pick-up trucks issued by the Rural Development Department (RDD) Directorate under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Excutive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, Executive Councilor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Director RDD Ladakh, Syed Sajjad Qadri; Executive Engineer REW, Fiza Bano; Accounts Officer RDD, Sajjad Hussain; and other senior officials.
The vehicles will be distributed across five blocks—Kargil, Drass, Bhimbet, Sankoo, and Zanskar—aimed at strengthening the waste segregation and sanitation system at the grassroots level.
In his address, CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon described waste segregation as a program very close to his heart, terming it a noble initiative. He noted that the collection of garbage from villages has not only ensured cleaner surroundings but also instilled awareness among people about environmental consciousness. He appreciated the dedication of RDD, particularly its Engineering Wing, and expressed gratitude to Director RDD, Syed Sajjad Qadri, and his entire team for their commitment. The CEC further expressed hope that such initiatives would continue with greater enthusiasm in the future.
Executive Councillor Ponckuk Tashi also praised the initiative while emphasizing the importance of addressing operational challenges and proper maintenance of the vehicles. Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Director RDD Syed Sajjad Qadri, Executive Engineer REW Fiza Bano, and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Director RDD, Syed Sajjad Qadri, highlighted that a total of 43 vehicles have been allocated to UT Ladakh, with 22 designated for Kargil and 21 for Leh. He stated that such initiatives will ease the process of waste segregation, improve sanitation standards, and further strengthen Ladakh’s status as a role model of Open Defecation Free (ODF) practices for other states. He expressed gratitude to the LAHDC for his guidance and lauded the relentless efforts of the RDD and REW teams, calling them hardworking and deserving of appreciation.
