Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chaired a meeting at the Council Secretariat on December 23 to address key issues related to the Mining Department in Kargil.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors for Tourism, PHE, I&FC; Social Welfare and Animal Husbandry; Rural Development; and Education. Also present were Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Srikant Balasaheb Suse; Deputy Director of Mining and Geology, UT Ladakh; District Mineral Officer; and SDMS representatives from Drass, Shakar Chiktan, and Zanskar, along with other officials.

The Deputy Director, Mining and Geology, UT Ladakh informed the CEC that the guidelines have already been prepared by the Mining Department which the LAHDC Leh has accepted.

He also informed that the successful bidder shall pay 5% charges in favour of LAHDC Kargil in addition to the total bid amount. The officer further informed the meeting that 30% of the total DMFT shall be placed at the disposal of the LAHDC Kargil for the utilization of the same fund under the PMKKY scheme. Blocks having an area less than 5 hectares shall be reserved for the local and only local bidders will participate in the e-auctioning of the minor mineral blocks.

The CEC Kargil directed the Deputy Director, Mining and Geology to prepare a plan for the execution of the guidelines. Dr Akhoon also said that the rates of sand and gravel should not rise abruptly and people should not suffer. He also said that the Supreme Court has passed a direction that should be followed in letter and spirit.

Photo Caption: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chairing a meeting of the mining department at the Council Secretariat.