Srinagar-Kargil-Leh NHW to remain open till Nov 15: Akhoon

SRINAGAR: Government today clarified that Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway shall remain open till November 15 subject to weather conditions. However, review meetings of the higher authorities shall be held on weekly basis to check and monitor the smooth movement of traffic on this national highway.
Earlier, the BEACON authorities who are looking after this 400 km long National Highway had announced that the National Highway shall be closed on 31stOctober which has created panic among the people of Kargil and Leh.
This was announced at a high level meeting of officers convened by the Minister for Transport and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon to take stock of the condition of National Highway and announcement made by the BEACON authorities regarding closure of Highway.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Transport Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Samoon, Inspector General of Police Traffic, Mr. Munir Khan, Transport Commissioner Mr. Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, Col. (Wks) Hq Project BEACON, Col. Davindera Singh, DIG Traffic Kashmir, Mr. S. A. Watali, DIG CKR, Mr. S.A. Mujtaba, Special Secretary Ladkah Affairs, Mr. Tsering Muroop, Special Secretary PDD, Mr. M. H. Malik, Additional District Development Commissioner Ganderbal Mr. Itrat Hussain Rafiqi, SP Ganderbal Mr. Shahid Mehraj and General Manger SRTC, Mr. Farhat Jan.
Describing the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway (NH) only life line for the people of twin districts of Leh and Kargil, the Minister said that requisite quantity of food grains, other essential commodities including K-oil and LPG are to be stocked in these Border districts. He directed the concerned departments/agencies to ensure that buffer stocks of these items should be stored in the area before the closure of this NH.
Mr. Akhoon directed the BEACON authorities to put men and machinery into service round the clock so that incase of any eventuality the stranded vehicles be cleared from the road and ensure that all vehicles are evacuated in case of landslide or snowfall. (KMW News)