72nd Republic Day was celebrated with immense patriotic zeal in Kargil on January 26.

Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmed Khan hoisted the national tricolor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium.

Feroz Ahmed Khan recalled the contributions of the makers of the Constitution and supreme sacrifices of the national heroes who laid down their lives for the country. He hailed the services of the Army, paramilitary forces, and police in guarding the frontiers of the country in harsh weather conditions and for maintaining peace, order, and internal security in the country.

While highlighting the achievements, developmental activities underway and plans of the present Council in Kargil District, he said that the LAHDC, Kargil is fully committed to the overall development of the district in all sectors, and several important initiatives are presently underway in this regard.

He informed that developmental works are going on in full swing Health, Public Works, Tourism, Youth Services and Sports, Rural Development while concrete measures are being taken to augment other sectors.

About the Public Works sector, the CEC said that during the current financial year, 3 major projects at a cost of more than ₹27 crore have been completed while 3 steel girder bridges have been completed under Central Road Funds (CRF). in hand under the district plan out of which many have been completed.

Regarding the projects under New Connectivity, he said that under this scheme 14 roads of a total of 38 kilometers length have been completed during this financial year, while a total road length of 30 kilometers has been macadamized which would benefit more than 4000 souls.

In  PHE Sector, Khan said that to provide safe and adequate drinking water facilities to people under Jal Jeevan Mission, 700 functional household connections have been provided so far, adding that as per the target fixed for the year 2022, 19000 such connections will be provided across the district.     

He hailed the tireless efforts of the COVID-19 frontline workers in containing the spread of COVID-19 in the district. He also made special mention of the Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil Baseer ul Haq Choudhary and all the officers of the Civil and Police Administration, doctors, paramedical staff as well as other Corona warriors and volunteers.

Feroz Ahmed Khan also spoke about various infrastructure and developmental activities carried out in different sectors such as. Health, education, tourism, agriculture, etc.

Congratulating the people of Kargil for the formal kick start of work on the construction of Zojila tunnel, CEC Khan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this historic development. Khan also said that with the signing of MoU between the LAHDC Kargil and the Army for the evacuation of Khurbathang Plateau, a new and well-planned township in Kargil is expected to come up under the Smart City Mission.

Feroz Ahmed Khan also expressed happiness over the conferring of Padma Shri Award to Tsultrim Chonjor from Zanskar. He also congratulated the persons and organizations of Kargil district including Muhammad Ali Teacher, Kacho Ahmed Khan Theatre Artist, Baqirya Health Care, and Research Center, Muhammad Baqir In-charge PP Minamarg, staff of designated COVID-19 hospital Kargil, and staff working in all COVID-19 testing labs in Kargil district for achieving State Awards in various categories.

Meanwhile, colorful cultural programmes were presented by the artists of Ladakh Cultural Academy, Kargil.

Mementos and certificates among the employees of various departments, meritorious students, members of NGOs, volunteers, and individuals for their extraordinary performances and noteworthy contributions for public welfare especially during the COVID-19 pandemic were distributed. Prizes were also distributed among the participants of the March Past and cultural programmes.