CEC Kargil chairs meeting on developmental initiatives, focuses on tourism, infrastructure, public welfare; short film on Suru Valley released.

Kargil, Feb 25, 2025: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon today chaired a high-level meeting at Council Secretariat Kargil with the Administrative Secretary, Power Development, Tourism & Culture, Youth Services & Sports and Information & Public Relations, Vikram Singh Malik and officers of the Tourism & Culture, Youth Services & Sports, Information & Public Relations and Power Development Departments to address developmental issues of Kargil District.
Executive Councillor, Tourism/Urban Development/Revenue/PHE, Kacho Mohd. Feroz; Executive Councillor, Social Welfare/Agriculture /Animal & Sheep Husbandry/ICDS, Agha Syeed Mujtaba Mussavi; DC/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Director, Tourism; Joint Director, Youth Services & Sports; ADC-Kargil; Joint Director, Information & Public Relations; Deputy Secretary, Culture; Executive Engineers of PDD, STD, PDC; Assistant Directors of Tourism and Information & Pubic Relations; Project Director, KREDA and LAHDC Councillor, Bhimbhat Constituency and other officials attended the meeting.
At the outset, issues related to transmission lines, solar energy policy and land acquisition were deliberated upon with a focus on expediting their resolution. Instructions were passed for identification of solar plants on RESCO-mode at potential sites in Kargil District. Further, the issue about the need for taking up tariff escalation of hydro power produced by Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) was also discussed. The need for enhancing the tariff from the current rate of Rs.2.00 per unit was highlighted. It was also ensured that the case for enhancement of financial power of KREDA to execute projects will also be taken up with the concerned authorities.
During the course of the meeting, the CEC raised concerns over public grievances regarding high electricity bills emphasizing the need to clarify misunderstandings about smart metre usage. Dr.Akhoon directed the concerned officials to launch awareness campaigns via radio, public announcements and other mediums to educate citizens.
The CEC passed instructions to establish a Tourist Helpline Kiosk of Ladakh’s Tourism Department at Sonamarg in Kashmir (J&K) to assist visitors. In this regard, the Administrative Secretary, Tourism instructed the Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil to deploy staff and take appropriate necessary action.
The Administrative Secretary instructed the concerned officers to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for phased development of ski chair lifts and identification of snow ski slopes, positioning Kargil as a winter tourism hub. Further, he directed the Executive Engineer, PDD, to submit a proposal for the construction of staff quarters in Drass.
Regarding the restoration of Iqbal Bridge in Kargil Town, the Administrative Secretary directed the Kargil Development Authority to prioritize completion of the project, setting a deadline of April-2025. Further, he instructed all the departments under his control to draft the 2025-26 Proposals/Action Plan under the Special Development Package (SDP) with a 25% percent budgetary ceiling, ensuring alignment with practical requirements at the grassroot level.
During discussions on issues of urban development, Dr. Akhoon instructed Assistant Director, Tourism to relocate his office from the current location as the entire area has been identified for construction of a multi-tier parking facility. Further, he was directed to follow-up and take steps for organizing cultural events in Suru Valley to promote the local heritage.
The CEC lauded the productive discussions and urged officers and officials to prioritize public welfare, stating, “our collective efforts must translate into tangible progress for Kargil’s development.”
On the occasion, a short film on the Suru Valley of Kargil, produced by the Tourism Department was also released and screened in presence of the dignitaries and officers. Pertinently, in October-2024, National Geographic named Suru Valley as one of the world’s top 25 travel destinations for 2025, highlighting its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage and tranquil atmosphere.