Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Kargil, chaired a crucial meeting to assess and plan for the potential drought-like situation in the district.

Dr. Jaffer highlighted the significance of the meeting, focusing on gathering suggestions and devising strategies to confront the anticipated drought-like conditions in the upcoming summer, considering the lack of snowfall during the winter season.

He underscored the action plan's priorities, which include ensuring access to drinking water for the human population, addressing the needs of livestock, and implementing measures to safeguard plantations.

Heads of various departments presented their proposed action plans and requirements to tackle the potential drought-like scenario. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department informed the CEC about the necessity for water tankers, additional manpower, submersible pumps, and other logistical support for water distribution. The Irrigation Department outlined its requirements, including solar pumps, PVC pipes, gunny bags, and other resources to manage the situation.

Dr. Jaffer stressed the importance of conserving flowing water through streams, and the Deputy Commissioner directed the Agriculture Department to expand the number of greenhouses for the upcoming financial year.

Furthermore, he urged the Agriculture Department to disseminate advisories through media regarding the cultivation of water-resistant crops in the upcoming agriculture season.

The meeting involved a comprehensive review of various departments, such as Horticulture, Agriculture, Mechanical Division, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development Department (RDD), Sheep Husbandry, and Command Area. Dr. Jaffer directed all concerned departments to submit proposals within two days to address the drought situation, ensuring timely submission to the Union Territory Administration. He emphasized the need for collective efforts from all departments to effectively mitigate the potential drought.