Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chaired a comprehensive review meeting on December 22 to assess winter preparedness and strengthen inter-departmental coordination, with special focus on maintaining connectivity through Zojila Pass and other sub-divisional roads linking remote areas with the district headquarters, besides ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services across the district.

During the meeting, the CEC reiterated that all necessary efforts will be made to keep Zojila Pass open for the maximum possible duration during winter. He emphasised that Zojila remains the only vital lifeline for Ladakh’s connectivity, and its timely maintenance is of paramount strategic and public importance.

Dr. Akhoon directed all concerned line departments and executing agencies, including BRO, Project Vijayak, NHIDCL and Mega Engineering, to work in close coordination to ensure smooth winter operations. 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 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 supply of medicines in the region. In this context, the CEC directed officials of Project Vijayak and NHIDCL to deploy adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable locations along the Kargil–Zanskar road for emergency snow clearance and 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 the need for uninterrupted road connectivity during snowfall, Dr. Akhoon instructed NHIDCL to ensure regular maintenance and snow clearance on the stretch from Iqbal Bridge to Minji, so that traffic movement and essential services remain unaffected.

Regarding drinking water supply, the CEC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE, to identify vulnerable areas in and around Kargil town facing water scarcity and 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 roads falling under the Defect Liability Period (DLP) and 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). He further directed concerned departments 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 at various locations to support stranded passengers during winter.