Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon flagged off five new garbage collection vehicles on September 9, issued by the Rural Development Department (RDD) Directorate under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Executive Councillors Er. Punchok Tashi and Kacho Mohd Feroz; Director RDD Ladakh, Syed Sajjad Qadri; Executive Engineer REW, Fiza Bano; Accounts Officer RDD, Sajjad Hussain; and other senior officials.

The newly allotted vehicles will be deployed across five blocks—Kargil, Drass, Bhimbet, Sankoo, and Zanskar—to strengthen waste segregation and sanitation systems at the grassroots level.

In his address, CEC Dr. Akhoon termed waste segregation “a noble initiative” and said garbage collection at the village level has not only ensured cleaner surroundings but also encouraged environmental awareness among the public. He lauded the dedication of the RDD, particularly its engineering wing, and thanked Director RDD Syed Sajjad Qadri and his team for their commitment. He expressed hope that such initiatives would continue with greater enthusiasm in the future.

Executive Councillor Punchok Tashi praised the initiative while underscoring the need for proper vehicle maintenance and operational efficiency. Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz and other officials also expressed their support.

Speaking on the occasion, Director RDD Syed Sajjad Qadri informed that 43 vehicles have been allocated across UT Ladakh—22 for Kargil and 21 for Leh. He said the initiative will ease waste segregation, improve sanitation, and reinforce Ladakh’s standing as a role model in Open Defecation Free (ODF) practices. He also thanked the LAHDC for its guidance and commended the efforts of RDD and REW teams, describing them as hardworking and deserving of appreciation.