Kargil, December 22, 2025:
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess winter preparedness and strengthen inter-departmental coordination, with a special focus on maintaining road connectivity and uninterrupted delivery of essential services across the district.
The CEC emphasised that all possible efforts will be made to keep the Zojila Pass open for the maximum duration during winter, terming it the vital lifeline for Ladakh. He underscored the strategic and public importance of timely maintenance of the pass and directed agencies including BRO, Project Vijayak, NHIDCL and Mega Engineering to work in close coordination for smooth winter operations.
Dr Akhoon instructed the SDM Drass to identify accommodation facilities at Gumri and Menamark with the Army and NHIDCL for use during emergencies, particularly for stranded travellers. He also directed the round-the-clock deployment of an ambulance at the Matiya Sub-Centre to ensure prompt medical response.
Reviewing the situation in Zanskar, the SDM Zanskar apprised the meeting about road connectivity, availability of essential commodities and medicines. The CEC directed Project Vijayak and NHIDCL to deploy adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable stretches on the Kargil–Zanskar road and ensure timely clearance of the Nimo–Darcha road.
In view of the ongoing Losar festival in Zanskar, the CEC directed the Power Development Department to extend power supply hours and asked the Cooperative Department to ensure the availability of subsidised food items during the festive period.
To ensure uninterrupted movement during snowfall, NHIDCL was instructed to maintain and regularly clear snow on the Iqbal Bridge–Minji road stretch. Addressing drinking water concerns, the CEC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE, to identify vulnerable areas in and around Kargil town and ensure the supply of potable water through tankers wherever required.
The CEC also directed PMGSY authorities to submit a detailed list of roads under the Defect Liability Period (DLP) and ensure immediate clearance and maintenance of incomplete roads. Departments were further instructed to dump soil at critical roadside points to prevent vehicle skidding during snowfall.
The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, briefed the meeting on the current status of Zojila Pass, winter planning, strategic logistics and monitoring through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), besides arrangements for Labour Sarais to assist stranded passengers.
Departmental officers informed that food grain distribution has been completed up to January, while updates were also shared on power supply arrangements and snow clearance preparedness.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Aga Syed Mujtaba and Er Phunchok Tashi. Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, joined online, along with senior officers from BRO, NHIDCL, PWD, PDD, PHE, PMGSY, Police and other departments, including SDMs of Drass, Sankoo, Shakar-Chiktan and Zanskar through virtual mode.
The CEC stressed that proactive planning, close coordination and timely execution by all departments are crucial to ensure public safety, convenience and uninterrupted essential services throughout the winter season.
