Kargil, :
In a major step toward promoting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance, Kargil witnessed the inauguration of its first-ever mineral water plant — Zilpa Chu — at Zakir Automobile, Ringmospang. The event was graced by Hon’ble CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Hon’ble MP Ladakh, Haji Haneefa Jan, and Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, among others.
The ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting and offering of khataks, followed by a guided tour showcasing the water purification and bottling process.
MP Haji Haneefa Jan congratulated Mr. Zakir Hussain and his family for their pioneering initiative that promotes local production and women’s employment. He urged Kargil’s youth to make use of government schemes and loans to start their own ventures, highlighting the growing opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon lauded the establishment of Zilpa Chu as a symbol of progress and self-reliance, reaffirming LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to supporting start-ups and sustainable local industries. He also announced ongoing efforts to make Kargil self-sufficient in vegetable and mushroom production, underscoring the district’s vast potential in agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.
DC Rakesh Kumar commended the entrepreneurial spirit behind Zilpa Chu, emphasizing that while government jobs are limited, entrepreneurship is the path to sustainable livelihoods. He announced that the next phase of the Jan-Hit Camp will soon be launched to encourage broader participation in self-employment initiatives.
The event concluded with appreciation for the promoters’ efforts and optimism that Zilpa Chu will set new benchmarks for quality, innovation, and sustainability in Kargil’s manufacturing sector.
