Roads shut, power, water supply affected in Kargil after snowfall

Snow battered region of Ladakh continued to grapple with insufficient water and power supply and blocked roads causing closure of medical and other critical facilities.

The restoration efforts by the administration, specifically in Kargil district, continued on Monday.

Kargil witnessed fresh snowfall leading to significant disruption in daily life and essential services. The sudden change of weather has affected road connectivity as well as electricity and water supply in various parts of the district. Residents have been alerted about the need to stay safe and not to venture near rivers and other water channels. They have also been advised to relocate from vulnerable locations.

“Despite the challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions, the Kargil administration is working on a war footing to ensure prompt and time-bound restoration of essential services. Snow clearance operations have already been initiated on major roads, with priority being given to medical facilities, public offices and essential service routes. Focus is being laid on internal and link roads as well,” an official spokesperson said.

Teams of the Power Development Department (PDD) continued work on the ground to restore electricity in the affected areas. Likewise, efforts of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) continued to resume water supply as quickly as possible.

The spokesperson said the administration is monitoring the situation closely while all the line departments are on alert and working in close coordination to restore disrupted services at the earliest.

Police department has deployed its men at critical locations. The traffic police and UT-DRF are also extending all possible help. Efforts are on to restore traffic movement over Namikala, Penzila and Hambutingla, the major passes of the districts.

“Men and machinery of the Kargil Municipal Committee have been engaged in snow clearance and restoration works. Similarly, the Mechanical Division has also deployed its staff to clear critical roads of the entire district. NHIDCL and BRO has also been engaged in snow clearance operations on the NH 301 and NH 01,” the spokesperson said.