Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, convened a meeting on May 16 to review key development and construction-related challenges impacting Kargil district. The meeting aimed to assess existing issues in project implementation, contractor engagement, and administrative processes, with a focus on streamlining operations and promoting local participation.

Dr. Akhoon underscored the importance of supporting local contractors and ensuring their fair involvement in government projects. He stressed that the participation of external contractors should be regulated, noting that their involvement often leads to project delays and compromises in quality and timelines. He assured that the Hill Council would take up the matter with the UT Government to advocate for greater preference to local contractors within existing norms.

Reaffirming the Hill Council's commitment to public welfare and the full utilization of allocated funds, the CEC emphasized the need to expedite the completion of ongoing works to meet targets and ensure maximum budget utilization. He added that contractors who deliver work on time would be duly recognized and rewarded.

Addressing environmental compliance, Dr. Akhoon directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kargil, to review pollution certification issues and simplify regulatory processes wherever feasible, while ensuring that environmental standards are maintained.

The CEC also instructed departments to enforce transparency and ensure equitable access to projects. He directed strict enforcement of work conditions and warned of action against non-performing contractors. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) was tasked to ensure strict implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations in line with UT guidelines. All executing agencies were directed to promptly address stakeholder concerns.

Further, all departments were given a three-day deadline to submit lists of contractors who have failed to complete their allotted work, along with a separate list of external contractors. Their compliance with contractual terms will be reviewed, and necessary action will be taken against defaulters.
Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz emphasized the need for stringent measures, including blacklisting and re-tendering, against contractors failing to complete projects within stipulated timelines.

Abdul Wahid, President of the Contractors’ Welfare Association, highlighted key challenges faced by local contractors, including stringent documentation and equipment requirements, the awarding of major contracts to non-local contractors who often fail to deliver on time, ILP restrictions on outside contractors, regulatory hurdles in setting up crusher plants, and the need to prioritize local unemployed youth and recognize the construction sector’s potential for job creation.

It was noted that many local contractors have invested in machinery through loans, but operational restrictions continue to hamper their work.

The Transport Union also raised concerns regarding ILP rules adversely affecting commercial vehicle operations across the Union Territory.
Superintending Engineer, Skalzang Dorjay, assured that all contractors, local or otherwise, who fail to meet deadlines will face strict action, although he stated that no specific cases of delay had been formally identified yet.

The Mining Department presented an overview of the distribution mechanism, charges for sand and bajri, and protocols for short-term permissions.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Aga Syeed Mujtaba Mussavi, and Er. Ponchuk Tashi; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Chief Engineer/SE, PHE & I&FC, Mohammad Abass; SE, R&B Kargil, Skalzang Dorjay; ACR, Kargil, Jahangeer Akhone; ACD, Kargil, Raziya Khatoon; DMO, Kargil, Sajjad Hussain; DFO, Kargil, Shakeel Ahmad; DySP, Kargil, Mohammad Ali; President, Contractors’ Union; President, Truck Union; along with other key stakeholders and officials.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Akhoon reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in public works, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development in the region.