CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon Holds Meeting to Address Development and Construction Issues in Kargil.

CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon Holds Meeting to Address Development and Construction Issues in Kargil.
Kargil, May 16, 2025 – The Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, convened a meeting today to discuss various developmental and construction-related issues impacting Kargil district. The objective of the meeting was to evaluate current challenges in project implementation, contractor engagement, and administrative processes, with a focus on streamlining operations and encouraging local participation.
Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon emphasized the importance of supporting local contractors and ensuring their fair involvement in government projects. He noted that the engagement of external contractors should be regulated, as their involvement often results in delays and compromises in quality and timelines. He assured that the administration would take up the issue with the UT Government to ensure preference for local contractors within permissible norms.
The CEC reiterated the Hill Council’s commitment to public welfare and the full utilization of allocated funds. He stressed the need to expedite the completion of ongoing works to meet targets and ensure maximum budget utilization. Contractors who meet deadlines will be acknowledged and rewarded.
He directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kargil, to review pollution certification issues and to simplify regulatory procedures where feasible, while maintaining environmental standards.
The CEC also instructed departments to ensure transparency and equitable access. He directed them to strictly enforce work conditions and take action against non-performing contractors. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) was directed to ensure implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations in accordance with UT guidelines. All executing agencies were asked to promptly address stakeholder concerns.
Departments were given a three-day deadline to submit lists of contractors who have failed to complete assigned work, along with a separate list of external contractors. Their compliance with contractual terms and conditions will be verified, and appropriate action will be taken against defaulters.
Executive Councillor, Kacho Mohammad Feroz directed that strict measures, including blacklisting and re-tendering, be taken against contractors who do not complete work within stipulated timeframes.
Abdul Wahid, President of the Contractors’ Welfare Association, highlighted several challenges faced by local contractors, including, stringent documentation and equipment requirements, awarding of major contracts to non-local contractors who fail to deliver on time, ILP restrictions on outside contractors operating in Kargil, regulatory hurdles in setting up crusher plants, the need to prioritize local unemployed youth, and recognizing the construction sector’s potential to generate employment.
It was noted that many local contractors have invested in machinery through loans, but operational restrictions are hindering their work.
The Transport Union raised concerns about ILP rules adversely affecting commercial vehicle operations in the Union Territory.
Superintending Engineer Skalzang Dorjay assured that all contractors—local or otherwise—who fail to meet deadlines will face strict action. However, he mentioned that no specific cases had been identified so far.
The Mining Department presented a detailed overview of the distribution mechanism, charges for sand and bajri, and the protocols for short-term permissions.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Executive Councillor Aga Syeed Mujtaba Mussavi, Executive Councillor Er. Ponchuk Tashi, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil – Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Chief Engineer/SE, PHE & I&FC – Mohammad Abass, SE R&B Kargil – Skalzang Dorjay, ACR Kargil – Jahangeer Akhone, ACD Kargil – Raziya Khatoon, DMO Kargil – Sajjad Hussain, DFO Kargil – Shakeel Ahmad, DySP Kargil – Mohammad Ali, President, Contractors’ Union, President, Truck Union, and other key stakeholders and officials.
The CEC concluded the meeting by reaffirming LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and efficiency in public works. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development in the region.