Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan visited Zojila Pass and inspected the pace of progress of construction works on the eastern portal of the Zojila Tunnel near Spangla on June 11.
 
Project Head, Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), Harpal Singh briefed about the present status of ongoing works and the progress achieved so far since the start of work in December 2020. He informed that excavation up to a length of 14 meters inside the tunnel has been completed to date, while 50 meters digging will be completed by the end of this month. Around 100 meters excavation is expected to be completed during the next month.
 
The Project Manager and concerned engineers assured that all-out efforts are being made to complete the project within the stipulated time frame and the tunnel construction works will be continued even in winters.
 
CEC, Feroz Khan also visited the proposed site for construction of the welcome gate, café and public convenience by Kargil Development Authority (KDA) at Zero Point Zojila. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), KDA, Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, Executive Engineer KDA Sajjad Hussain Wazir and concerned engineers briefed about the project which has been sanctioned under the State Sector Plan at a cost of ₹149.12 lakh.
 
CEC Khan along with the DC Kargil, SSP, Kargil, Councillors and other concerned officers discussed measures needed to be taken for the demarcation of a permanent boundary between J&K UT and Ladakh UT, as no formal step has been taken on this front so far. He said that the LAHDC, Kargil will soon submit a proposal to the UT Administration Ladakh in this regard.
 
Feroz Ahmed Khan also interacted with the screening and testing teams including the magistrates, police personnel, healthcare team, teachers and employees of other departments at Meenamarg Screening Point and highly appreciated their round the clock efforts in ensuring foolproof screening and testing of inbound passengers. He said that it is all due to the result of their committed and dedicated services and alertness that Ladakh UT has recorded fewer COVID-19 positive cases.
 
Responding to the issues and demands of the screening and testing staff, the CEC and DC Kargil assured that immediate steps will be taken to address all genuine issues on a priority basis.
 
Earlier, CEC visited various locations of the ongoing community classes at Chokiyal, Throngus and adjoining areas. While expressing satisfaction over the smooth and successful conduct of the community, he appreciated the local community especially the volunteers, teachers, Village Education Committee (VEC) members and local representatives and PRI members for their active role in the on-ground implementation of this novel concept.
 
Meanwhile, CEC interacted with several public delegations at Matayen, Ningor, Chokiyal, Throngus, Kharboo and other villages and listened to their issues, grievances and developmental needs. He assured the locals that all requisite measures will be taken to address their issues in a phased manner.