Kargil, July 09, 2025 – Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today visited the flood-affected villages of Stakpa, Malikbar Thama, Malikbar Kilma, Yakza, and surrounding areas to assess the ongoing restoration efforts and address public grievances.
During the visit, the CEC reviewed the progress of ongoing works, particularly the diversion of floodwater back to its original course and the restoration of essential services. He interacted with the local residents to enquire about the availability of drinking water, electricity, and other daily necessities. He also assured that the removal of mud and debris from link roads will be taken up on priority.
At Stakpa, locals raised several pressing issues including the need for protective walls along the stream, frequent flood damages, the upgradation of the Middle School school, clean drinking water supply (which has been contaminated due to sand and clay inflow), and the shortage of Hindi and Math teachers.
Addressing the public, Dr. Akhoon stated that his visit aimed to address these urgent concerns. He assured that LAHDC is fully committed to the welfare of the affected people. Regarding the construction of the stream protection wall, he informed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared under the Special Development Package (SDP) and the project is planned for the next working season.
To address the drinking water issue, he directed the Executive Engineer of the PHE Department to take immediate action. He also instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil to ensure prompt compensation to the affected individuals under the disaster relief fund.
Additionally, he confirmed with the ZEO Kargil of Education Department that currently for 55 students there are 8 teachers posted at Middle School Stakpa, including a Hindi teacher. He assured the public that the pending issue, if any of attachment/detachment of teachers will be resolved at the earliest, and the matter has already been taken up with the Education Department.
The CEC further directed the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Kargil to prioritize the restoration of irrigation canals, especially those under the NREGA scheme, to ensure continuous water supply for agricultural fields.
At Malikbar Thama, residents expressed gratitude to the CEC, ADC, and officials from various departments for visiting and listening to their concerns. They requested the construction of concrete retaining walls along the link road, repair of the JJM water pipeline, establishment of a medical sub-centre, and the appointment of a Hindi teacher. The CEC assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly, and immediate restoration works would be initiated.
In Malikbar Kilma, the public highlighted serious concerns regarding frequent Brown Bear attacks on both livestock and humans. They also requested the installation of electricity poles for improved power supply, the setting up of a medical sub-centre, and early restoration of irrigation canals.
The CEC directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kargil to take urgent mitigation measures to protect residents. He reaffirmed that the Council would provide full support and work in coordination with departments to resolve these issues.
At Yakza, the public put forth demands including the construction of an irrigation canal from Braknak to Yakza, a link road from Mizat to Yakza, extension of the existing ice hockey rink and its water supply system, and the construction of a motorable bridge from Bhag Umba to Hati Yakza. Dr. Akhoon assured that all possible assistance will be extended to fulfill these public demands.
During his visit to Lankerchey, locals informed the CEC about a newly emerging insect infestation damaging wooden logs used for house construction. Despite the use of pesticides and other treatments, the problem persists, causing distress among the residents. The CEC instructed the Chief Agriculture Officer and DFO Kargil to investigate the matter thoroughly, identify the cause, and develop an effective solution. He assured the public that timely and effective intervention would be ensured.
Dr. Akhoon also reviewed the status of irrigation canals and khuls across the region, emphasizing the urgent need for their cleaning and restoration. He informed the public that the administration is prioritizing the removal of mud, stones, and debris to restore irrigation facilities and instructed the concerned departments to deploy machinery for the same.
Locals further informed the CEC about a completely blocked irrigation canal that had disrupted water supply. He assured that drinking water will be arranged as an interim measure until the canal is fully restored.
The CEC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Councillor Lankerchey Ghulam Haider, Assistant Commissioner Development Shafiq Ahmad, Superintending Engineer PHE/I&FC Kargil Skalzang Dorjay, Executive Engineer I&FC Ghulam Hussain, Executive Engineer PHE Mohammad Hassan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankoo, Project Officer Wage Employment, Divisional Forest Officer Kargil, Chief Agriculture Officer Kargil, Executive Engineer SVD Sankoo, Executive Engineer PMGSY Kargil, Executive Engineer REW Kargil, Deputy Director Command Area Development, Assistant Director Fisheries Kargil, Tehsildar Sankoo, and Block Development Officer Sankoo, among other concerned officers.
