CEC Kargil Reviews Winter Preparedness, Issues Key Directions to Ensure Connectivity and Public Convenience

Kargil, December 22, 2025: In a decisive move to strengthen winter preparedness across the district, Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chaired a comprehensive review meeting today, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, efficient inter-departmental coordination, and continuous public convenience during the harsh winter months.

With winter already tightening its grip on the region, special emphasis has been placed on maintaining all-weather connectivity through the strategically vital Zojila Pass and crucial sub-divisional roads linking remote areas with district headquarters. The CEC reiterated that every possible effort will be made to keep Zojila Pass open for the maximum possible duration, highlighting its importance as Ladakh’s lifeline and a route of immense strategic and public significance.

Dr. Akhoon directed all concerned departments and executing agencies, including BRO, Project Vijayak, NHIDCL and Mega Engineering, to ensure close coordination for smooth winter operations. He instructed the SDM Drass to arrange adequate accommodation facilities in collaboration with the Army and NHIDCL at Gumri and Menamark for stranded travelers during emergencies. In addition, he ordered 24×7 deployment of an ambulance at Matiya Sub-Centre to ensure timely medical support.

Providing an update on the Zanskar region, the SDM Zanskar informed the meeting about the present status of road connectivity, availability of essential commodities, and medical supplies. Taking note of the situation, the CEC directed officials of Project Ujayak and NHIDCL to deploy sufficient manpower and machinery at vulnerable points along the Kargil–Zanskar road for emergency snow clearance. He also stressed the need for timely snow removal along the Nimo–Darcha road to maintain connectivity.

Considering the ongoing Losar festival celebrations in Zanskar, Dr. Akhoon further instructed the Power Development Department (PDD) to extend power supply hours to facilitate smooth festive celebrations. He also directed the Cooperative Department to ensure adequate availability of subsidised food items for the public during the festive period.

The meeting underlined the administration’s commitment to safeguarding public convenience, ensuring uninterrupted essential services, and strengthening preparedness mechanisms to meet any winter emergencies with efficiency and coordination.