CEC Kargil attends International Mountain Day event at Tangole.

CEC Kargil attends International Mountain Day event at Tangole.
Kargil, Dec 11, 2024: Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today attended the International Mountain Day event at Tangole, the base camp of Mt. Nun, under the theme “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future.”
The event was organized by the Tourism Department Kargil, to highlight the mountain ecosystems and to promote sustainable tourism in the region.
Executive Councillor for Tourism, Kacho Mohd Feroz; Councillor, Parkachik; Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil Rehmatullah Bhat, Block Development Officer, Rukhsar Ahmad; Incharge Tehsildar, Panikhar; EX Councillor, Parkachik, Ghulam Mohd, General Manager, Topline; High-Altitude Skill Trainer from GDC Sankoo, Ananika Bisht; members of the Ski Mountaineering Association Ladakh, students, and local villagers attended the event.
In his address, the CEC congratulated the villagers on Suru Valley’s recognition as one of the Top 25 destinations by National Geographic. He appreciated the Tourism Department for organizing the event at the base of the iconic Mt. Nun, emphasising its importance as a symbol of pride for the region.
Dr. Akhoon said that he has apprised for special attention to the Suru Valley at various ministries. He announced to organize a grand event in Suru Valley next year to boost tourism and assured to allocate Rs 2–3 crore from the Council Capital Expenditure budget for tourism development.
The CEC also instructed the Tourism Department to install attractive signages at the base camp and release a new tourism calendar focused on Suru Valley.
He informed that the mountaineering policy has been finalized and encouraged stakeholders to complete the registration process.
Furthermore, he highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken by LAHDC Kargil in education and other sectors, assuring the public of continued support from the Hill Council.
He also announced Rs 3 Lakh from the untied grant to purchase mountaineering equipment through the Tourism Department.
Executive Councillor Tourism, Kacho Mohd Feroz advised youth to actively participate in the region’s development and acknowledged the achievements of Tangole resident Mohd Hussain, the first civilian to summit Mt. Nun – Kun without supplemental oxygen. He assured to felicitate Hussain during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Councillor Parkachik, urged the Tourism Department to focus on mountaineering training for youth as a means of generating employment opportunities for locals.
Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil in his welcome speech, emphasized the importance of mountains for biodiversity, freshwater systems and combating climate change. He encouraged youth to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the ecosystem, highlighting their role as stakeholders in this effort.
At the event, speeches were delivered by students on the importance of International Mountain Day. Prizes and mementos were distributed to students and individuals contributing to the promotion of tourism and culture in the region. Assistant Tourist Officer, Kargil, Rasool Lal conducted the program proceedings.