Tasaduq Hussain
Kargil, Apr 19: The authorities in Kargil district of Ladakh UT Monday assured that the strengthened efforts are underway to make Zojila pass-through for vehicular movement, and most likely road clearance operation will be completed by tomorrow (Tuesday).
A joint team of Administration, Council, Army Police, Health Department, and others Monday reviewed the ongoing reopening process of Zojila pass the only motor-able road to Kargil.
Talking to a selected media persons at the Zojila pass, Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) Feroz Ahmad Khan, said that there is no delay in the reopening of Zojila in the ensuing year since the weather wasn’t favorable at all. “Had it been pleasant, the road would have been made through in February only. Despite erratic weather, executing agencies worked hard,” Khan said.
Flanked by top officials from Administration, police, and Army, the CEC said that as per the communication received from another side of the pass, Khan said that the beacon has almost reached near this side of the Zojila, and hopefully it will be connected by tomorrow with the other side.
He assured that given the demand of essential stock in the holy month of Ramadhan, vehicles carrying essential commodities will be allowed to proceed toward Kargil first.
Present on the occasion, army official Kaushik Mitra said: “We are mandated to make this road through but some points on the roads on both ends are slide prone and efforts are underway since there is a huge snow accumulation.”
He said that a stretch of 1.5 Kilometers is left from the Ganderbal side but the deposition is very high and that’s why it’s taking much time in clearance while the strengthened efforts are underway.
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil Santosh Sukhadeve said that two sampling and screening points will be set up here for all the incoming passengers since it’s necessary to carry a negative RTPCR test.
“Eight counters will be made functional for sampling to ensure people won’t have to wait for long and a separate screening point to check the sampling of the individual to be further allowed to proceed towards the town”, he said.
The DM said that 3-4 days home quarantine will be mandatory for all those coming here unless their test result is out since most of the positive cases in Kargil are outsiders (Labourers) and “our efforts should continue to save this district.”
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kargil Dr. Munawar Hussain said there is no denial in saying that the challenges are more in the ensuing year as compared to last year and the system has been refined and enhanced while the sampling and testing have been improved.
He said that the incoming laborers won’t be allowed to work anywhere unless they produce a negative RTPCR test report.
