The Chairman/ CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, chaired the General Council Meeting to discuss and approve the CAPEX Budget of Rs 255 crore and 26 lakh for the financial year 2025–26 on May 2.

The meeting, held at the Conference Hall, Baroo, was attended by MP Ladakh Mohd Haneefa Jan, Executive Councillors of LAHDC Kargil, DC/CEO LAHDC Kargil, JD Planning/Chief Planning Officer, Councillors, SDMs, departmental heads, and other district officers.

Proceedings began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of former MP Haji Mohd Hassan Khan and to pay tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The session focused on strategies for sustainable development, livelihood enhancement, and quality-centric project execution. The CEC praised departments including PDD, PHE, Mechanical, and the Municipal Committee for achieving maximum expenditure targets in the previous fiscal year under the leadership of the CCF.

The DC Kargil was congratulated for Karsha Block's recognition under the Aspirational Blocks Programme. Additionally, CEC Akhoon lauded CEO LAHDC Kargil, Shrikant Suse (IAS), for receiving the Excellence Award for expenditure management from the Prime Minister in 2024.

As the CAPEX budget meeting commenced, Dr. Akhoon inaugurated several key projects, including upgradation of the Tesra Drass link road, launch of a Stock Assistant Training Institute, new residential quarters in Drass, upgradation of Middle School Youlboo, Drass, establishment of an Anti-Drug Addiction Centre and  hostel facility for differently-abled individuals

Progress and implementation status of department-wise allocations were reviewed, with Councillors voicing concerns and suggestions. After thorough deliberation, the council approved the final budget for 2025–26.

Commending efforts in higher education, the CEC appreciated the Lieutenant Governor and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh for introducing new academic courses to benefit local students.

He also announced the enhancement of wages for 1,900 casual laborers and thanked the Central Government and Ladakh Administration for their support. The CEC further acknowledged the HLG for ensuring department directors remain posted at their original locations in Kargil.

Highlighting ecological concerns, Dr. Akhoon informed that tourism activities at Zojila have been halted due to rising pollution and environmental degradation. He noted that BRO’s jurisdiction has been realigned to ensure timely road clearance during snowfalls.

On healthcare, he stated that facilities at the District Hospital Kargil have been upgraded, especially with improved gynecological services. The long-pending MRI machine procurement process is also nearing completion.

A new web portal is being developed to ensure a transparent transfer policy. The CEC urged stakeholders to eliminate plastic usage in weddings and reduce non-biodegradable materials in markets.

Tourism was a major agenda point. The CEC emphasized developing border tourism in Drass and promoting adventure activities such as paragliding and trekking, especially in valleys from Minji to Tangol. He called for better coordination between the Tourism and Rural Development Departments to fast-track tourism infrastructure, including cafes and basic visitor amenities.

In fisheries, he instructed the Assistant Director to expand fish farming initiatives to boost local livelihoods.
On education, the CEC stressed the urgency of deploying teachers in underserved areas and filling posts vacated by retirees. He highlighted the importance of Arabic teachers and directed the CEO of Education to act promptly.

He also proposed setting up long-term training centres at the primary school level to strengthen teacher capacity, particularly in remote areas.

Winter hostels were discussed in detail, with the CEC emphasizing the need for long-term planning and proper facilities to support students during the harsh season.

The council also reviewed critical infrastructure issues such as lift irrigation, water supply to remote areas, flood control, and the status of link roads. He urged departments to accelerate implementation for public benefit.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to enhancing inter-departmental coordination and ensuring timely, sustainable, and inclusive development.