Kargil, August 25: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, today welcomed the newly appointed Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Housing & Urban Development, and Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh, Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, at his office chamber. The CEC also chaired a review meeting with the Secretary and district officers to assess the progress of ongoing developmental works.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councilor Kacho Mohd. Feroz, Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, along with senior officers from Urban Development, R&B, Municipal Committee, District Library, Tourism, and other departments.
During the meeting, the CEC took a detailed review of the status of ongoing projects. Officers from the Urban Development Department briefed that several works are underway under different schemes, including the construction of a slaughter house, multi-level parking facility, sewage treatment plant, truck terminal, and other related projects.
Secretary Rodrigues emphasized scientific waste management and suggested that meat waste collection be carried out separately for proper disposal. He also suggested the installation of a chicken feather treatment machine. Adding the secretary, directed officer that the operational responsibility of the slaughterhouse machinery be handed over to the concerned agency for a period of at least 10 years to ensure effective maintenance.
The secretary directed to incorporate these suggestions in the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). The Secretary further instructed officers to revise the DPRs accordingly and submit the presentations within 15 days.
On the matter of building laws, the Secretary informed the CEC that currently the J&K Act remains functional in Ladakh. However, new Ladakh Building Laws are under consideration, and the draft will soon be submitted to LAHDC Kargil for necessary feedback and incorporation before finalization.
Regarding beautification projects at Sher Bagh and Bulbul Bagh, Secretary Rodrigues stated that minor changes have been suggested in the DPRs. He also reviewed the progress of the Museum and Archives Department, where land has already been identified and tendering is under process. He stressed the need to expedite the process.
On the tourism front, the Secretary informed that around 107 projects worth ₹2251 crore are underway across the district. These projects are at various stages of progress, and he directed the concerned officers to ensure timely completion. He also instructed that tendering of near-completion projects be finalized and that the facilities be made operational on an outsourcing basis to ensure effective functioning.
Secretary Rodrigues further stressed that officers must strictly adhere to the timelines for project completion. He directed the concerned officials to personally follow up on files submitted to higher authorities for administrative approval. While visiting sites, he instructed officers to dedicate sufficient time to the preparation of DPRs to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Meanwhile CEC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon stressed the importance of close coordination among departments for effective implementation of developmental works. He further directed the engineers and concerned officers to ensure strict monitoring of projects on the ground to achieve timely and quality completion.
