KARGIL, JULY 13, 2021: Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmed Khan held a press conference at Council Secretariat here on Monday.
Addressing the press conference, CEC Feroz Khan urged the general public to follow the COVID-19 related guidelines properly. He further said that the threat of the 3rd wave of COVID-19 still looms large as suggested by various experts, and keeping this in view he exhorted upon people to regularly wash hands, keep safe distance, wear masks and avoid unnecessary gatherings.
The CEC also said that the the LAHDC and District Administration Kargil have already put in place necessary arrangements to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic like the installation of oxygen plants at Zanskar and Drass and recruitment of healthcare personnel including 6 new doctors,104 nurses, 20 pharmacists ,10 data operators, 39 laboratory technicians ,6 amchis and 26 drivers.He also said that one oxygen plant each at Sankoo and Chicktan will be installed shortly besides measures are underway in full swing for recruitment of 10 additional pediatricians and establishment of adult ICU beds, separate wards for children and 70 oxygenated beds will be placed along with additional 17 nurses keeping in view the threat of the 3rd wave which is likely to affect mostly the pediatric population.
CEC Khan while appreciating the steps taken by the UT Administration Ladakh to decentralize the powers in terms of COVID-19 guidelines said that the new guidelines which are coming up at regular intervals have been framed by the Deputy Commissioner Kargil, keeping in view the present COVID-19 situation of the district and with the proper consultation with the medical experts. He hailed the unparallel, tireless and remarkable efforts of the Frontline Workers like doctors, paramedical staff,nurses, ambulance drivers, magistrates on duty, police personnel who have played a vital role to restrict the spread of the Coronavirus during the 1st and 2nd wave.
The CEC also lauded the notable overall guidance and leadership of the Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil Santosh Sukhadeve in effectively controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the district and execution of the vaccination process in a professional and effective manner.
CEC Feroz Ahmad Khan while informing about the progress achieved on the status of COVID-19 vaccination in the district said that in case of the population above 18 years of age, almost 100% vaccination has been completed in terms of the 1st dose, while in above 45 years category the vaccination in case of the 2nd dose has reached to around 65.5% at present.
In view of the present relaxations in COVID -19 guidelines, CEC Khan requested people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and gatherings, adding he said that in view of the coming of ensuing Eid ul Azha and the holy month of Muharram, fresh SOPs will be framed in proper consultation with the medical experts and all the religious, social and political organizations in the district.
As regards to the ongoing community classes in the district, CEC Feroz Ahmad Khan expressed his satisfaction over the successful conduct and execution of these classes at the ground level. He further said that the role played by the local community at all village level and the support extended by the volunteers is remarkable which is appreciated around the country. He said that at present 466 different community classes are going on in the district and with the involvement of1737 teachers, 2314 volunteers, 17368 students are getting education without any hindrance at such critical time. He further said that in case of 10th, 11th and 12th classes, a meeting will be held soon with the concerned officers of the Education and Health Department for proper consultation to devise the future course of action.
With regard to the various on- going developmental activities in the district, CEC Khan said that the works are going on in full swing this year, adding he said that in all Councilor constituencies developmental works worth crores of rupees are being executed under different schemes including SDP, Capex Budget and Sate Sector. He further said that the last year Capex budget was around 232 crores out of which 186.88 crores were utilized which was around 81% of the total budget.
CEC Feroz Khan further said that various departments and executing agencies have been working towards the proper utilization of the funds with regard to various developmental works. He also said that to make funds non-lapsable the matter has already been taken up with the UT Administration Ladakh and the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI.
