A review meeting on the winter preparedness, COVID-19 mitigation measures, developmental work progress, stock, and supply position of essentials in the Zanskar Sub Division was convened by CEC, Hill Council, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan on September 16.

Feroz Ahmed took a sector-wise brief from the officers on the issues related to COVID-19 mitigation measures during the ensuing season, water and power supply, construction of roads, buildings and other infrastructure, schools, health centres, livestock, health care, ration supply, and other related issues.
 
It was informed that at present there are 2 COVID-19 asymptomatic positive cases in the Sub Division whose condition is stable. The Tourist Reception Center (TRC) Zanskar has been converted into a dedicated COVID-19 hospital while the old block of CHC Padum is being reserved as an isolation centre for winter months. Also, the eco ambulance has been procured and digital x-ray machines have already been installed at CHC Padum. The process of procurement of all other necessary medical equipment is under different phases.  
 
While discussing the PWD sector, concerned officers informed that the DPRs of all works under the Capex Budget have been prepared and almost 90% have been uploaded while in the case of SDP all DPRs stand submitted.
 
It was informed that the up-gradation of the road stretch of Kargil Zanskar Highway NH-301 from Penzila Base to Hamiling village has already been tendered and work is expected to kick start soon. Also, the construction of 5 bridges on the highway is targeted to be completed during this year.
 
Meanwhile, the Officer Commanding of 126 RCC informed about the work status of Nimmo-Padum- Darcha (NPD) Road. He said that at present works are presently going on in full swing with the engagement of 1000 local labourers in addition to around 700 to 800 non-local laborers.  
 
In the power sector, 3 DG sets have been sanctioned for Zanskar under SDP for which funds have already been released. 230 KLs out of 440 KLs HSD has already been stocked while stocking of the rest is under process.
 
The Executive Engineer REW Kargil and the BDOs of Zanskar, Karsha, and Lungnaq blocks apprised the CEC about the status of mandays generated under MGNREGA and the status of works under 14th FC, SDP, Capex Budget, and other schemes.
 
Feroz Khan instructed the officers of the Revenue Department to kick start the demarcation of land identified for Zanskar Airport and assured that funds for demarcation will be provided by the Hill Council Kargil.
 
He underlined the need to establish a mechanism of effective and efficient coordination between the administration and people so that developmental schemes are effectively implemented on the ground. He also stressed officers to be responsive to the needs and issues of the people and to ensure that these are resolved in a time-bound manner.
 
Keeping in view the seasonal constraints and the short working season, he exhorted upon the officers to lay focus on timely supply and stocking of all essential commodities, medicines, key construction materials, and other required items so that people do not face any inconvenience during the winter season.