Kargil’s first mineral water plant Zilpa Chu inaugurated

Kargil, Oct 26: In a step toward promoting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance, Kargil witnessed the inauguration of Zilpa Chu, the district’s first-ever mineral water plant, located at Zakir Automobile, Ringmospang. The event was graced by the Member of Parliament, Haji Haneefa Jan as Chief Guest and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon, as the Guest of Honour.

The inauguration ceremony began with the traditional ribbon-cutting and offering of khataks to mark the auspicious occasion. The attendees were then given a guided tour of the plant, where the complete processing and purification procedure of Zilpa Chu was demonstrated, said a press release.

Member of Parliament Ladakh, congratulated Zakir Hussain and his family for establishing a pioneering venture that not only promotes local production but also generates employment, particularly for women. He urged the youth of Kargil to take advantage of various subsidized government schemes and loan facilities available for entrepreneurship and start-up development. The MP further highlighted emerging employment sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and tourism, stressing that hard work and innovation are key to success.

He also expressed pride that local products such as apricot, apple, and seabuckthorn are now being exported to Gulf countries and used to manufacture a range of value-added products. The MP called upon the district administration and the merchants’ association to promote Zilpa Chu in the market and inspire other young minds to follow this path of self-reliant enterprise.