LG Mathur reviews winter preparedness for UT Ladakh
07-November-2020

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur chaired a crucial meeting to review winter stocking arrangements and preparedness of all departments in Leh and Kargil districts. The meeting was attended through video conferencing by the CEC LAHDC, Leh Tashi Gyaltson, CEC LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Khan, Commissioner Secretary A K Sahu, Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Saugat Biswas, Additional DGP, Additional Secretary Ravinder Kumar, Senior officers from BRO, Vijayak, Himank, DC and SSP of Leh and Kargil districts. While addressing the meeting, the Lt Governor reiterated the need to ensure 12 months effective functioning of Government in UT Ladakh and change in perception of non-functionality of offices or developmental works during harsh winter months. He asserted that the management of winter months should be a joined effort of every single department and officers led by the Hill Councils.

He said that UT Administration is committed to manage the winter specific issues to the satisfaction of the people of Ladakh and provide them with better facilities and supply of essential items. The Lt Governor exhorted the Secretaries to consider the points raised by the CEC of Leh and Kargil on priority for quick action. Referring road connectivity, the Lt Governor said that a committee is to be set up in coordination with J&K Government to ensure regulated traffic management at Zojila. He stated that Divisional Commissioner, DCs, SPs, BRO and Army on both sides will be part of the committee.

They should follow the matter and ensure satisfactory traffic regulation at Zojila. He also emphasized on ensuring connectivity in remote areas through satellite phones. The Lt Governor informed that helicopter services �Pawan-Hans' will be operated this winter and directed concerned authorities to prepare COVID-19 guidelines to airlift xorona patients. He pointed out the complaints received about the unnatural hikes in taxi and truck rates last winter.

He instructed the DCs and the Transport Department to check such abnormal rates. LG Mathur directed the Health Department to ensure adequate stocking of medicines, oxygen and to have medical facilities with additional beds, oxygen concentrators and heating system at all block headquarters to attend COVID-19 patients, in particular. He asked the Divisional Commissioner to ensure supply of required additional ration including K-oil, sugar, etc and essential commodities for Losar.

The Divisional Commissioner Ladakh, Saugat Biswas gave a detail presentation on the status of stocking of essential commodities, edibles, K-oil, petrol, diesel, LPG Gas, animal feed and medicines, medical requirements including medicines, oxygen supply, air cargo services, power supply, etc. Both CECs, Secretaries, Officers of BRO, Vijayak, DCs and SPs also shared detailed information on the status of road connectivity including national highways and internal passes, stocking position of essential commodities and other winter preparedness measures.