KARGIL: Aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region, the ongoing construction and widening of the Kargil-Zanskar National Highway (NH-301) is scheduled to be completed by October 2024.
This was informed by Commissioner Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu, UT Ladakh, who conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing construction work, the previous day.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall, Baroo, witnessed discussions on the significant physical achievements and compensation disbursement status.
Ahead of the meeting, Sahu, accompanied by NHIDCL officers, district officials, and SDMs, conducted an extensive tour of the road from Zanskar to Kargil, taking a first-hand assessment of the progress and identified areas for expedited work.
Noting that the development of this vital infrastructure project is aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region, Sahu emphasized the need for NHIDCL to accelerate construction in areas where clear encumbrance-free corridors are available, ensuring efficient project implementation.
During the meeting, Sahu highlighted the remarkable achievement of completing the dense bituminous macadam (DBM) on 60 km of the 239 km stretch.
“This significant milestone signifies substantial progress towards the road’s completion. The current year’s target is to complete the premature DBM on 110 km, demonstrating the commitment to timely project delivery,” he said.
Addressing the critical aspect of compensation disbursement, GM NHIDCL informed that Rs 180 crore has already been released to the DC Kargil against compensation. DC informed that the final award amounting to Rs. 176.84 crore has been issued, and a majority of eligible landowners have received their rightful compensation.
To expedite the remaining disbursements, Sahu instructed the Deputy Commissioner to schedule joint camps with banks and landowners.
“This proactive approach aims to ensure that NHIDCL has unimpeded access to the remaining stretches for seamless construction activities,” he said.
Furthermore, Sahu emphasized the significance of environmental conservation during the road’s development. He instructed NHIDCL to conduct extensive plantation along the route, ensuring the plantation of at least triple the number of uprooted plants.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of proper disposal of mulba (debris) and directed officials to ensure the effective dressing of areas where debris is dumped. These measures contribute to a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing journey for the passengers, harmonizing infrastructure development with ecological preservation.
The completion of the Kargil-Zanskar National Highway (NH-301) is a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and promoting socio-economic progress in the region.
Sahu told that the UT Administration is fully committed to timely and efficient project implementation. The construction of this vital infrastructure aligns with the Ladakh’s Vision 2047 of a developed and connected Ladakh, further bolstering the Union Territory’s growth trajectory in line with inclusive development.
Meanwhile, Sahu also led a comprehensive tour of Sankoo, Drass and Kargil and conducted series of meetings to review and assess the progress achieved under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the previous day.
The meeting, held at the Sankoo, Drass and Kargil, were attended by public representatives including Counsellors, BDCs, Sarpanches and Panches and key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Santosh Sukhadeve, Superintendent Engineer, PHE and I&FC Kargil, Maqbool Hussain, Councilors, PRI and Engineers of PHE and I&FC Kargil.
Sahu emphasized the importance of timely completion of the remaining JJM works in Sankoo, Taisuru, Barsoo, Dras, Bhimbat Dras, Sodh, Pashkum, TSG, and Kargil Blocks. Engaging in a detailed block-wise and villege-wise discussion, the meeting addressed the progress made, identified issues, and sought effective solutions for the respective village and Blocks.
Sahu urged the PRI Members and PHE officials to adopt a mission mode approach, committing to finish the remaining works within the next two months. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between local representatives and the administration, stressing that successful implementation of the scheme requires collective effort for the greater benefit of the general public.
Sahu directed the PHE engineers to monitor the works on a daily basis and to allocate additional manpower as needed. He emphasized the importance of regular meetings with the local inhabitants to address their technical doubts and concerns, enhancing transparency and understanding.
He highlighted the responsibility of PRI members in coordinating with the people, while the department takes charge of implementing and executing the scheme. He commended the PRI members for their active cooperation and effective leadership in overcoming various challenges encountered during the scheme’s implementation.
Furthermore, Sahu requested PRI members to prepare a monthly calendar and conduct regular social audits through meetings with the ISA team.
