In response to the recent heavy snowfall in Kargil, CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, chaired a high-level review meeting on April 20 to assess snow clearance efforts and the restoration of essential services across the district.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Councillor, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Officer Commanding 55 RCC/Vijayak/BRO, I/C SDM Sankoo, DySP DAR, Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Executive Engineers from PHE, R&B, PDD, STD, and PMGSY, I/C District Sheep Husbandry Officer, and representatives from the Tehsil Office Kargil, NHIDCL, Municipal Committee, and Agriculture Department.

Several officials, including Councilor Abdul Wahid (Bhimbet), SDMs of Zanskar, Shakar Chiktan, Drass, and the Chief Education Officer, along with the Executive Engineer I&FC, joined the meeting virtually.

During the session, the CEC directed the ADC to mobilize all line departments for damage assessment, particularly in the horticulture, forest, irrigation, and water supply sectors. He stressed the importance of documenting assessments under Disaster Management protocols to facilitate compensation and relief efforts.

CEC Dr. Jaffer instructed NHIDCL to deploy dewatering pumps without delay to address waterlogging issues and ensure smooth road connectivity. He also directed the SDMs of Drass, Sankoo, Shakar Chiktan, and Zanskar to remain vigilant in their respective areas, ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential services such as power, healthcare, and water, and address public grievances promptly.

A special directive was issued to the SDM of Shakar Chiktan to extend full hospitality and support to stranded tourists, ensuring they feel safe and cared for.

It was reported during the meeting that the town trunk line has been charged and is expected to be fully restored by evening. Dr. Akhoon emphasized that restoration of services at hospitals and emergency facilities must be prioritized.

The Mechanical Department informed the CEC that snow clearance operations are underway on all major and internal roads with the deployment of men and machinery. Efforts are being made to reopen routes at the earliest.

Dr. Akhoon appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve and normalcy is restored.

As a precautionary measure, he also directed the Chief Education Officer to declare a three-day closure of all government and private educational institutions in the district.

Several other critical issues were also discussed to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response from all departments.