Adviser reviews stocking of essential commodities in Ladakh

Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, chaired a crucial meeting to assess the status of essential commodity stocks in the Leh and Kargil districts in preparation for the upcoming winter season.

The meeting included discussions on the essential items required for winter in both regions. 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 detailed item-wise stocking reports.

It was confirmed during the meeting that both Leh and Kargil districts possess sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including food grains, petroleum products (petrol, diesel, kerosene), medicines, animal feed, and fodder, to meet the anticipated demands of the winter season.

Given the remote areas of Ladakh, the Adviser directed concerned officials to expedite the dispatch of essential commodities to regions such as Zanskar, Nubra, Turtuk, and other far-flung areas before winter fully sets in. He also emphasised the need for snow-cutting machines to be ready to address challenges posed by winter road closures.

Additionally, Kotwal instructed the District Magistrates of Leh and Kargil to develop a comprehensive distribution plan to ensure equitable access to essential items across both districts. To combat potential price hikes during the winter months, he emphasised the establishment of inspection squads to conduct regular market checks to monitor prices and prevent the sale of expired or substandard products.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Administrative Secretary of FCS&CA, Administrative Secretary of GAD, the Chief Conservator of Forest, and Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil, as well as the SSP of Leh. Representatives from FCI, IOCL, HPCL, and local merchant and cooperative consumer societies were also present, underscoring the collaborative effort to prepare for the winter season in Ladakh.