Dispatch essential commodities to remotest regions of Ladakh; says Advisor while chairing Winter Essential Commodities Stocking meeting

Leh, October 03, 2024: The Advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Dr.  Pawan Kotwal, chaired a crucial meeting to assess the stocking status of essential commodities in Leh and Kargil districts in preparation for the upcoming winter season at the Civil Secretariat Leh.

During the meeting, discussions and deliberations were held on essential commodities, required for the coming winter in both districts of Ladakh.  Representatives from various departments, including Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Food Corporation of India (FCI), Cooperatives, Health, Power Development, Forest Division, Animal/Sheep and Fisheries, as well as Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), presented their detailed item-wise stocking reports.

During the meeting, it was informed that both Leh and Kargil districts possess enough stockpiles of essential items, encompassing food grains, petroleum products (petrol, diesel, kerosene), medicines, animal feed, and fodder, to meet the demands of the winter season.

Keeping in view the remotest areas of Ladakh,  Advisor directed the concerned officials to dispatch essential commodities to these regions such as Zanskar, Nubra, Turtuk and other far-flung regions before the winter commenced.

 He further said that snow cutting machines should be ready to deal with hindrances caused by winter road closures.
Additionally, he directed the District Magistrates of Leh and Kargil to craft a comprehensive distribution plan, ensuring equitable distribution across both districts.

To deal with high rates during winters, Advisor Ladakh emphasised on concerned officers to establish inspection squads for regular market checking, aimed to  check rates and the sale of expired or substandard products.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary FCS&CA, Ladakh; Administrative Secretary, GAD, Ladakh; Cooperatives, Ladakh; Chief Conservator of Forest, Ladakh; Deputy Commissioner of Leh and Kargil, SSP Leh;  General Manager,  FCI, Ladakh; along with heads of various departments from both Leh and Kargil districts. Representatives from IOCL, HPCL, Merchant Association, Leh/Kargil, and Cooperative Consumer Societies, Leh, and other concerned officials. SDM Zanskar,  Director RDD, SSP Kargil, Tehsildar Zanskar, Director youth Services and Sports, joined the meeting virtually.