J&K Governor reviews progress on 44MW Chutuk Power Project in Kargil

Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N N Vohra, today announced an additionality of Rs 10 to the Annual Plan of the Kargil district in the current year, taking it to Rs 61 crore, and said that stepping up of developmental effort in the Ladakh region assumes significance in view of the limited working season.
Speaking at a Civic Reception in the Kargil Public Park this afternoon, the Governor observed that the far-flung areas of the State, which remain land-locked for better part of the year due to snow, needed special dispensations with regard to infrastructure development, particularly in the key sectors like Health, Education, Power and Public Utility Services.  
Referring to the steps being taken for expanding educational facilities, Vohra said that various Centrally Sponsored Schemes are currently under execution in the district, as elsewhere in the State. He appreciated the interest and enthusiasm on girl education in the district and mentioned that the rate of scholarships to the different categories of students at all levels will be substantially enhanced so that bright students, who are desirous of pursuing higher education, are enabled to do so.
Vohra also referred to the need for diagnostic equipment in the District Hospital and directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to ensure that the required funds for procuring a CT scan machine in the District Hospital are made available on urgent basis.
Responding to the local demands, the Governor assured that he will take up, on most immediate basis, the transfer of the Kurbanthanga plateau, presently with the Army, in a time bound manner, as this will address the expansion needs of Kargil. He said the matter regarding up-gradation of Kargil Airport and extension of its runway would be taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry.
Vohra said that sustained efforts would be made to promote tourism in the district with the opening of new tourist circuits by way of early opening of the Kargil-Batalik-Leh Road. He said that the State Government is also actively pursuing with the Centre the issue regarding opening of Chiktan-Sanjag Road to Leh.  
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Haji Ahmed Ali Kachoo, drew the attention of the Governor towards the developmental needs of the district and hoped that these will merit early attention, in view of the backwardness of the area.
Syed Kazim Saberi, Executive Councilor, LAHDC, presented a memorandum, listing various demands including, the construction of Zojila Tunnel, Civil Air Service for Kargil and extension of the Runway, besides evaluation and shifting of the Army from Kurbathang Plateau. He also demanded lift irrigation for Sodh area, opening of the Kargil-Skardo Road, electric transmission line from Srinagar to Kargil, construction of alternate road from Pahalgam to Taisuru, establishment of three companies of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police at Kargil, Mini Hydel Project at Tamasha Zanaskar, irrigation canal from Jasgund to Faroona village in Sankoo block and a special package for the unemployed youth of the district.
Advisor to Governor, Dr Sudhir S Bloeria, Financial Commissioner, Planning & Development, Mr S L Bhat, Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr B B Vyas, Secretary Ladakh Affairs, Mr T Dorji, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Mr Satish Nehru besides Mr Nassurullah, MLC and other Councilors of the LAHDC Kargil and prominent citizens were also present at the Civic Reception.
Earlier, the Governor inaugurated an Aero Sports/Trekker Complex at Khubathang near the Airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 44 lakhs by the Kargil Tourism Development Authority.
Vohra visited and inspected the 44-MW Chutuk Hydro Project, being constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), over Suru River, a tributary of Indus, running through the town. He walked through the tunnel and was informed that over 60 per cent works of the Project had been completed. The Project is likely to be completed in the next two years.  
The Governor said that Rs 112 crore would be made available under Rajiv Gandhi Vidutikaran Yojana for laying a transmission line for supplying power from Chutak Project. The NHPC has already floated the tenders in this regard. He also announced an additionality of Rs 1.10 crore for improvement and maintenance of the Iqbal, Haptal and Marpochu Hydel Projected.  
Enroute, the Governor inspected the site for the construction of LAHDC Office Complex, which will include residential quarters for the Councilors as well.
The Governor also inaugurated an IKW MW Transmitter for All India Radio Kargil at Padam in Zanaskar.
During his day-long visit to this border district, Vohra laid the foundation stone of Tourist Facilitation Centre and River Front Developmental works at Beamathang, which will cost Rs 3.68 crore. These projects are likely to be completed by November, the next year.
The Governor also reviewed the winter stocking of various essential commodities in the district.