Kargil/ Feb. 03, 2021: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan who is also the Councillor of Silmoo Constituency inaugurated a 4G Airtel mobile tower at Darchiks village here today.

The mobile tower will cater to the mobile telecommunication needs of the people of Darchiks, Batalik, Hordass, Sanachay, Army area Batalik and adjoining villages.

Speaking on the occasion, the CEC congratulated the local people on the coming up of the mobile tower in the area which had been their long pending demand. He said that with the launch of this mobile tower, people of Darchiks and adjoining villages will now have seamless access to mobile telecommunication facilities more especially students who can now take benefit of various online classes.

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CEC Khan also expressed gratitude to the Airtel authorities for their efforts in the establishment of the mobile tower in the area despite the COVID-19 pandemic situation, and said that with the commencement of mobile internet services through the mobile tower in Darchiks, the whole Batalik area has now been connected through mobile telecommunication and internet facilities.

During the course of the tour, the CEC also interacted with various public delegations who projected their collective and individual demands which mainly included construction of playground and ice hockey rink, up gradation of middle school to high school, establishment of primary health center in the area, augmentation of drinking water facilities, extension of link road, employment opportunities to locals in Army and BRO works, clearance of khuls for agricultural purposes, provision of street lights and other related issues.

Responding to the demands projected by the locals, the CEC said that all demands and grievances will be considered on priority and steps for resolution of issues will be taken up in a phased manner.

CEC Khan said that there is no dearth of funds for execution of developmental activities and the LAHDC, Kargil is fully committed to address the developmental concerns and needs of the people living in rural areas.

The CEC said that to ensure round the clock power supply to Darchiks Garkone, Batalik and other villages of Silmoo Constituency, the area will be connected to both Chutuk Hydel Project and Dha Hydel Project by the month of July this year. He further said that to give impetus to cultural activities in the area, an auditorium for Aryan Valley has been sanctioned for which land has already been identified, adding that the tendering process has also been completed and work on the project will be completed in 2 year’s time.   

As regards to the expansion of link road in Darchiks village, the CEC said that extension works of the road up to Mantha has already been sanctioned under the District Plan, adding he directed the Executive Engineer R&B II Kargil to ensure the completion of the road extension works well before the onset of the agricultural season. He said that to address the issue of water supply in the area, funds for establishment of drinking water supply schemes will be kept under the District Plan, adding that under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), 19000 household connections with clean and adequate water supply are being provided to households in the district by the year 2022.

Regarding the demand for construction of playground and ice hockey rink, the CEC urged locals to allot suitable land for this purpose and assured that adequate funds will be provided. He also said that the LAHDC Kargil has already recommended the setting up of a Primary Health Center in the area for which 5 to 10 kanals of land is needed and sought peoples cooperation for allotment of land in this regard.

Later, the CEC also visited the community coaching center being run by the local teachers and volunteers in Darchiks village.

Interacting with the volunteers, teachers and students, the CEC appreciated their initiative and assured them of all out support and cooperation for the development and renovation of the coaching center hall and smooth operation of classes there during this winter season and coming years.

The CEC also visited the Vocational Training Center Darchiks run by the Handicrafts Department and took stock of its overall functioning. 

Chief Education Officer Kargil Nazir Ahmad Wani, Executive Engineer R&B II Kargil Kacho Mehmood Ali, Executive Engineer Kargil Development Authority (KDA), Sajjad Hussain Wazir, District Cultural Officer Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak, Sarpanchs, Panchs, Nambardars and local people were present on the occasion.