Kargil, January 12, 2026: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today welcomed the newly appointed Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Mr. Ashish Kundra, at the Council Secretariat, Kargil, and held an introductory meeting with him at the Conference Hall of the Council Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Mr. Imtiyaz Kacho, CCF LAHDC Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Chief Planning Officer Kargil Mr. Abdul Hadi, besides Councillors of LAHDC Kargil. On the occasion, the CEC and Councillors of LAHDC Kargil warmly welcomed the Chief Secretary with traditional khataks.
During the meeting, the CEC Kargil presented a comprehensive agenda highlighting key developmental, administrative, and public welfare issues of Kargil before the Chief Secretary for discussion. The agenda underscored the need for granting administrative approval to the DC/CEO, LAHDC Kargil for according Technical Sanction and Administrative Approval up to ₹5 crore, along with the clearance of ₹1.38 crore in work-done liabilities under the Flood Control sector.
Issues related to snow clearance works carried out by PMGSY, R&B, and the Mechanical Department were raised, emphasizing the need for timely reimbursement and improved inter-departmental coordination. The operation of civil air services to Kargil, including the AN-32 service, was highlighted as a vital connectivity requirement, particularly during the winter season. The promotion of winter sports under the Khelo India Programme and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence under the Sports Authority of India (SAI) were also emphasized to harness Ladakh’s potential in ice hockey and other winter sports.
The discussion further covered the requirement for mechanical chilling facilities at the Ice Hockey Rink, Kurbathang, construction of a multilevel car parking facility in Kargil town, and the provision of a 24×7 water supply to Kargil town under AMRUT 2.0 as key infrastructure priorities.
Major concerns related to the health sector were also raised, including the requirement of additional manpower for Watch and Ward duties at District Hospital Kargil, posting of super specialist doctors such as a Cardiologist and Super Specialists in Neurology and Urology, construction of a 200-bedded hospital, and the establishment of a Nursing College and a Mini AIIMS at Kargil to strengthen healthcare delivery and medical education in the region.
The agenda also stressed the importance of keeping the Zojila Pass open till the end of February to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country. Issues concerning KREDA were highlighted, seeking grant-in-aid and enhancement of the existing tariff from ₹1.75 to at least ₹3 to sustain renewable energy initiatives. Further, a request was made for the release of ₹4 crore towards the construction of Ladakh Bhawan (Kargil Wing), with ₹2.50 crore proposed to be released in the first phase, along with an additional ₹35 lakh for sewerage and water supply connections.
Additionally, the matter concerning Junior Assistants of various departments who have completed training at IMPA Srinagar/Jammu but whose mandatory promotional examinations conducted by PSC are pending was brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary, urging early resolution.
Responding to the issues and grievances raised by the CEC, the Chief Secretary assured that all matters would be addressed in a phased manner based on priority. Mr. Ashish Kundra stated that Kargil possesses a unique landscape with immense potential in the tourism sector, which needs to be explored through sustainable policy implementation for holistic development. He sought active coordination from the Councillors of LAHDC Kargil and reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to close and coordinated cooperation between LAHDC Kargil and the UT Administration for the overall development of Ladakh.
