Ladakh Chief Secretary reviews Zojila Tunnel works, Kargil airport
Kargil, Jan 14: Chief Secretary Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday reviewed progress of the strategically vital Zojila Tunnel project and assessed the functioning of Kargil airport during his maiden visit to Kargil district after assuming office, officials said.
CS Kundra undertook an extensive tour of Zero Point, Zojila Tunnel Eastern Portal, Kargil Airport, Kargil War Memorial and later interacted with the public of Drass Sub-Division during a grievance redressal meeting at Dak Bungalow.
At Zero Point, the Chief Secretary was briefed by Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak (BRO), Rahul Oberoi about the winter operations of the Project Vijayak upto Zero Point.
He was apprised of the manpower deployment and measures being undertaken to keep the strategic Zojila axis functional during the harsh winter months.
The Chief Engineer also highlighted the need for adequate winter gear, including coats and protective equipment, for labourers working under extreme climatic conditions.
The Chief Secretary assured that necessary support would be extended to ensure the welfare and safety of the workforce. The Chief Secretary then visited the Zojila Tunnel Eastern Portal where Project Manager, MEIL, Col. Shiv Kumar briefed him on the strategic importance of the Zojila Tunnel, its total length, tunnelling methodology and the current physical and financial progress.
The officials further informed that only 895 meters of tunnelling is pending from the Eastern Portal, with nearly 6 kilometres already completed and that the breakthrough is expected within the next 3 to 4 months.
In Drass, the Chief Secretary was accorded a warm welcome at the Dak Bungalow by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate; Drass, Vishal Atri; the LAHDC Councillors of Bhimbhat and Ranbirpora as well as social organizations including local residents. The Councillors thanked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the announcement of five new districts and urged for early establishment of the administrative setup.
During the interaction, the public and elected representatives raised several demands, including upgradation of Drass’ Sub-District Hospital to the level of District Hospital.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Secretary assured that NHM posts would be re-advertised through newspapers in different regions, including the North-East, to address manpower shortages and that medical lapses would be examined for appropriate resolution.
He said that education remains a top priority of the UT Administration and said that multiple avenues are being explored to make students of Ladakh skilled in diverse trades.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Drass, the Chief Secretary said that while the region has immense scope to attract tourists, emphasis must be laid on strengthening basic facilities.
During the visit, Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewed the functioning of Kargil airport and sought a detailed report on the scope of its possible expansion. During the visit, Kundra was briefed by the Commanding Officer on operational and infrastructural aspects, officials said. The chief secretary directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to submit a detailed report along with a map highlighting the current status of the airport and the scope for possible boundary expansion. The chief secretary also visited Darchiks village, home to the indigenous Dard Aryan community, where he interacted with local residents and stakeholders.
Later, the Chief Secretary visited the Kargil War Memorial, where he paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation. The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma; Administrative Secretary,Y&SS, Moses Kunzang; Managing Director, NHM, Tushar Anand; SSP Kargil, Nitin Yadav; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Engineer, PWD; Chief Engineer PDD; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Drass and other District Officers and officials during the tour.
