Srinagar-Leh highway closure: CEC LAHDC Kargil visits Zojila, reviews snow clearance ops

Kargil, Mar 21: Chairman, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Friday conducted an extensive visit to Zojilla Pass to assess the ongoing snow clearance efforts.

During the visit, the CEC commended the relentless efforts of BRO and its workers in clearing the snow despite challenging weather conditions. As a token of appreciation, he provided cash incentives to the workers and praised their dedication. Additionally, the district administration distributed blankets to the workers as a gesture of support.

The BRO officials briefed the CEC on the progress of snow clearance, stating that operations are proceeding at a steady pace from both sides of Zojilla. They informed that approximately 1 km of snow clearance is being completed daily, and the Zero Point is expected to be reached by the end of the day.

The pass is anticipated to be cleared for vehicular movement within the next 4–5 days, ensuring the resumption of essential supplies from Srinagar to Kargil.

Later, Dr Akhoon also visited the eastern portal of the Zojilla Tunnel, where he interacted with workers and officials. He was informed that only 2.3 km of tunneling work remains for completion. The CEC lauded their tireless efforts in working under harsh climatic conditions and assured continued support for the timely completion of the project.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Shree Ram R; Chief Engineer, Project Vijayak, Brigadier Rahul Oberoi; SDM Drass, Vishal Atri; Officer Commanding (OC) 55 RCC Mulbekh, Major Ankur Laghate; Executive Engineer Mechanical, Mohd Hassan; Assistant Director Information, Raza Ali Abidi; Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Traffic, Anayat Ali; Councillor, Bhimbhat Abdul Wahid; Councillor, Ranbirpora Abdul Samad; along with other district officers and officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).