Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon conducted an extensive visit to the flood-affected villages of Stakpa, Malikbar Thama, Malikbar Kilma, Yakza, and surrounding areas on July 9 to assess damages, review ongoing restoration work, and listen to public grievances.

Dr. Akhoon evaluated progress on the diversion of floodwaters back to their original course and the restoration of essential services. He interacted with local residents to assess the availability of drinking water, electricity, and other basic needs. He assured that clearing of mud and debris from link roads will be prioritized.

During his visit to Stakpa, CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon was apprised by locals of several pressing issues, including frequent flood damage, the need for protective stream walls, upgrading of the Middle School, shortage of Hindi and Math teachers, and contamination of the drinking water supply due to clay and sand inflow.

Addressing the public, Dr. Akhoon reiterated LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to the welfare of the affected communities. He informed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the stream protection wall has already been prepared under the Special Development Package (SDP) and the project is slated for execution in the next working season.

To resolve the water crisis, the CEC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE to take immediate action to restore clean water supply. He also instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil to ensure timely disbursement of compensation under the disaster relief fund.

Regarding education, he confirmed with the ZEO Kargil that eight teachers, including a Hindi teacher, are currently posted for 55 students at Middle School Stakpa. He assured the public that any issues related to the attachment or detachment of teachers will be resolved promptly in coordination with the Education Department.

Further, the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Kargil was directed to prioritize the restoration of irrigation canals, especially under the NREGA scheme, to ensure uninterrupted water supply for agriculture.

At Malikbar Thama, residents expressed their gratitude to CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, ADC Kargil, and accompanying officials for visiting their village and attentively listening to their concerns. The villagers requested the construction of concrete retaining walls along the link road, repair of the JJM water pipeline, establishment of a medical sub-centre, and the appointment of a Hindi teacher.

The CEC assured the public that their demands would be addressed promptly and directed the concerned departments to initiate immediate restoration work.

In Malikbar Kilma, villagers raised serious concerns about frequent Brown Bear attacks posing threats to both livestock and human lives. They also sought the installation of electricity poles to improve power supply, the establishment of a medical sub-centre, and early restoration of irrigation canals.

Responding to these concerns, Dr. Akhoon directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kargil to undertake urgent mitigation measures to safeguard residents. He reaffirmed that LAHDC Kargil will extend full support and work in close coordination with all relevant departments to address these issues effectively.

At Yakza, residents raised several infrastructure-related demands during the visit of CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon. These included the construction of an irrigation canal from Braknak to Yakza, a link road from Mizat to Yakza, extension of the existing ice hockey rink and its water supply system, and a motorable bridge from Bhag Umba to Hati Yakza. The CEC assured the public that all possible assistance would be extended to fulfill these demands in a phased and prioritized manner.

During his visit to Lankerchey, the public informed Dr. Akhoon about a newly emerging insect infestation damaging wooden logs used for house construction. Despite repeated use of pesticides, the issue persists, causing concern among residents. The CEC directed the Chief Agriculture Officer and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kargil to investigate the issue thoroughly, identify the cause, and come up with an effective and timely solution. He assured the residents that necessary intervention will be ensured without delay.

Dr. Akhoon also conducted an overall review of the irrigation canals and khuls across the region. Stressing the urgent need for cleaning and restoration, he directed the concerned departments to deploy machinery immediately for the removal of accumulated mud, stones, and debris to restore proper water flow for agricultural use.

In addition, locals informed the CEC about a completely blocked irrigation canal that had disrupted water supply in the area. Dr. Akhoon assured them that interim drinking water arrangements would be made until full restoration of the canal is achieved.

The CEC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho; Councillor Lankerchey Ghulam Haider; Assistant Commissioner Development Shafiq Ahmad; Superintending Engineer, PHE/I&FC Kargil Skalzang Dorjay; Executive Engineer, I&FC Ghulam Hussain; Executive Engineer, PHE Mohammad Hassan; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankoo; Project Officer, Wage Employment; Divisional Forest Officer Kargil; Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil; Executive Engineer, SVD Sankoo; Executive Engineer, PMGSY Kargil; Executive Engineer, REW Kargil; Deputy Director, Command Area Development; Assistant Director, Fisheries Kargil; Tehsildar Sankoo, and Block Development Officer Sankoo, along with other concerned officers.