A review meeting was convened by RK Mathur, Lieutenant Governor with Chief Executive Councillors of Hill Council, Leh and Kargil through video conference on April 22.

Umang Narula, Advisor to LG; Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary; Saugat Biswas, Divisional Commissioner; S. S. Khandare, Inspector-General of Police, Ladakh also attended the meeting.

During the detail discussion on the status of COVID-19 in Ladakh, Rigzin Samphel, informed about COVID-19 patients, people in quarantine and surveillance, quarantine facilities, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, logistics and action taken by the Administration under the guidelines of Government of India. He informed that a plan is under process to bring the Ladakhi patients, pilgrims, students and others back to Ladakh at the earliest. 

Also, it was informed that 112 doctors will be inducted on a contractual basis to augment the medical personnel. He emphasized on starting the work on setting up of the Medical College in Ladakh on a war footing with future situations in view.  

He further added that a 200 Junior Engineers will also be engaged on contractual basis on priority.

Saugat Biswas spoke about the present status of stocking of essential commodities in Leh and Kargil. He said that strict surveillance, screening and sanitizing of the trucks coming from Srinagar carrying these commodities are being ensured by the Administration and Police department in coordination with the Hill Councils. 

District plan for 2020-21 with a Capex Budget of ₹464.85 crores for both the Hill Councils was discussed during the meeting. 

R K Mathur requested both the Hill Councils to submit their plans within April 2020 and exhorted all the departments to submit their outstanding liability files for clearance in a time-bound manner. 

He also emphasized on clearing liabilities under MGNREGA and directed the Deputy Commissioner/ CEO, LAHDC, Leh and Kargil to commence various developmental works and flagship schemes including PMGKY in their districts.

To address the shortage of fresh vegetables during winter months in Ladakh, the meeting decided to start with polycarbonate greenhouses through the departmental scheme in both the districts. 

Deputy Commissioners of both the districts were directed to provide all necessary help to the farmers and to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 advisory during cultivation.

Umang Narula highlighted the need for greater synergy at all levels in carrying out the developmental activities more efficiently in the region. He said that with the opening of Zojila for traffic movement and resuming of Air services could pose serious challenges in the control of COVID-19. He stressed on having a concrete plan for the optimum facility in terms of quarantine, screening, testing and logistics.

R K Mathur thanked the two Councils, Panchayats, village Nambarders, volunteers of NCC, NSS, NYK, NGOs and religious organisations for their cooperation and support in battling the novel coronavirus pandemic.

He said, “It’s our joint efforts that today Ladakh has set an example for the rest of the country in controlling the spread of COVID-19 exhibiting unity, patience and responsibility towards one’s own and nation’s duty.” 

He also exhorted everyone to be compliant with GoI instructions and to be fully alert and careful and to use the Arogya Setu app. He reiterated that the people must wear a mask in public places, ensure social distancing and public hygiene even when the situation normalizes.