Sonam calls on DG BRO, emphasizes construction of tunnel to Shingkula

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 23: - Executive Councillor for Zanskar Affairs Tenzin Sonam called on the Director General Border Roads S.K Srivastava at New Delhi today.

During the meeting, a range of issues pertaining to road projects under execution by BRO in Ladakh region in general and Kargil District, in particular, came up for discussion.

 In a memorandum presented to the DG BRO, the EC requested for speedy construction of Nimoo Padum Darcha road which is in deteriorating condition with work on the project going at snail’s pace over the last few years.

The EC urged upon the DG to issue directions for installation of the required number of temporary belly bridges so that the stretch between Padum and Darcha can be connected within a month’s time. The DG BRO assured o resolve the issue within due course of time adding that Bailey bridges shall be constructed over every small stream in the area so that Zanskar is connected with Himachal Pradesh by the end of September 2018.

Other key issues raised with the DGBRO included the engagement of a maximum number of local labourers in road construction works, deployment of sophisticated machines and posting of sincere and dedicated officers to carry out the road construction project of Nimoo Padum Darcha road.

Sonam also stressed for early restoration of the stretches of roads between Padum and Purney which were washed away during the year 2015 Phuktal flash floods and construction of a tunnel to Shingkula.

DG BRO assured the EC that all damaged road stretches shall be restored at the earliest while as concerned officers would be directed to prepare DPRs for construction of Shingkula tunnel. The DG also informed that he will personally visit Zanskar during the summer months to take on spot appraisal of the ongoing works.