CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, participated in the International Mountain Day event held on December 11 at Tangole, the base camp of Mt. Nun. The event was organised under the theme “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future” by the Tourism Department Kargil to emphasize mountain ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism in the region.

Dignitaries present at the event included Executive Councillor for Tourism, Kacho Mohd Feroz; Councillor, Parkachik; Assistant Director of Tourism, Kargil, Rehmatullah Bhat; Block Development Officer, Rukhsar Ahmad; Incharge Tehsildar, Panikhar; former Councillor, Parkachik, Ghulam Mohd; General Manager of Topline; High-Altitude Skill Trainer from GDC Sankoo, Ananika Bisht; members of the Ski Mountaineering Association Ladakh, students, and local villagers.

Dr. Akhoon congratulated the villagers on Suru Valley’s recognition as one of National Geographic's “Top 25 Destinations” and praised the Tourism department for organising the event at the iconic Mt. Nun base camp. He emphasized the mountain’s significance as a symbol of regional pride and stated that he has sought special attention for Suru Valley from various ministries. He announced plans for a grand event in Suru Valley next year to boost tourism and committed ₹2–3 crore from the Council Capital Expenditure budget for tourism development.

The CEC instructed the Tourism Department to install attractive signages at the base camp and release a new tourism calendar focusing on Suru Valley. He also informed attendees that the mountaineering policy has been finalized and encouraged stakeholders to complete the registration process.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives undertaken by LAHDC Kargil, particularly in education and other sectors, Dr. Akhoon assured continued support from the Hill Council. He announced ₹3 lakh from the untied grant to purchase mountaineering equipment through the Tourism Department.

Executive Councillor for Tourism, Kacho Mohd Feroz, encouraged youth to engage in the region’s development actively. He acknowledged the achievement of Tangole resident Mohd Hussain, the first civilian to summit Mt. Nun-Kun without supplemental oxygen, and announced plans to felicitate him during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Councillor Parkachik urged the Tourism Department to prioritize mountaineering training for youth to create employment opportunities for locals.
Assistant Director of Tourism, Kargil, Rehmatullah Bhat, emphasized the importance of mountains for biodiversity, freshwater systems, and combating climate change. He urged youth to adopt sustainable practices to preserve ecosystems, stressing their role as key stakeholders in these efforts.

The event featured speeches by students highlighting the significance of International Mountain Day. Prizes and mementos were distributed to students and individuals contributing to the promotion of tourism and culture in the region.